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Kalisz G, Budzynska B, Sroka-Bartnicka A. The optimization of sample preparation on zebrafish larvae in vibrational spectroscopy imaging. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2025; 326:125288. [PMID: 39437695 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.125288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae are widely used in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and ecotoxicological studies. Their transparency and translational potential make them particularly valuable for fluorescence imaging. In addition to fluorescence imaging, microspectroscopy, which combines vibrational spectroscopy: Raman or Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) with microscopy, allows the collection of spatially resolved, label-free information. According to available literature, it was the first application of FT-IR imaging in zebrafish larvae. This study aims to compare different fixation methods for 10-day post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae using vibrational spectroscopy imaging. Paraformaldehyde (PFA), glutaraldehyde (GA), low temperature, and embedding in gelatin and agarose were investigated. Amides, lipids, and phosphates distribution were more informative in embedded samples but with challenging handling of the sample due to stiffness at -20 °C. FT-IR and Raman mapping revealed that frozen samples had better-preserved tissue structure than chemical fixation. PFA showed uniform amide distribution, while GA treatment exhibited tissue disruptions and denser protein networks in both. Handling of embedded samples is challenging for an operator, but provides more reliable results in developmental biology or disease modeling, compared to chemical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Kalisz
- Independent Unit of Spectroscopy and Chemical Imaging, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Barbara Budzynska
- Independent Unit of Behavioral Studies, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Anna Sroka-Bartnicka
- Independent Unit of Spectroscopy and Chemical Imaging, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
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2
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Nour J, Bonacina F, Norata GD. Gonadal sex vs genetic sex in experimental atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2023; 384:117277. [PMID: 37775425 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.117277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological data and interventional studies with hormone replacement therapy suggest that women, at least until menopause, are at decreased cardiovascular risk compared to men. Still the molecular mechanisms beyond this difference are debated and the investigation in experimental models of atherosclerosis has been pivotal to prove that the activation of the estrogen receptor is atheroprotective, despite not enough to explain the differences reported in cardiovascular disease between male and female. This casts also for investigating the importance of the sex chromosome complement (genetic sex) beyond the contribution of sex hormones (gonadal sex) on atherosclerosis. Aim of this review is to present the dualism between gonadal sex and genetic sex with a focus on the data available from experimental models. The molecular mechanisms driving changes in lipid metabolism, immuno-inflammatory reactivity and vascular response in males and females that affect atherosclerosis progression will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Nour
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", University of Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Bonacina
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", University of Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe D Norata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", University of Milan, Italy.
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3
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Gora AH, Rehman S, Dias J, Fernandes JMO, Olsvik PA, Sørensen M, Kiron V. Microbial oil, alone or paired with β-glucans, can control hypercholesterolemia in a zebrafish model. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2023; 1868:159383. [PMID: 37657755 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2023.159383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is often associated with unhealthy dietary habits, and many mammalian studies have explored the mode of action of certain bioactive compounds such as β-glucans and n-3 PUFAs to understand their potential to normalize the lipid metabolism. There are only a few investigations that adopted omic approaches to unveil their combined effect on hypercholesterolemia. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) was used as a model organism to reveal the efficacy of Schizochytrium oil and β-glucans (from Euglena gracilis and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) against cholesterol-rich diet induced dyslipidemia. One of the folowing four diets was fed to a particular group of fish: a control high-cholesterol diet, a Schizochytrium oil diet or one of the two diets containing the oil and β-glucan. The plasma HDL, expression of hepatic genes linked to, among others, ferric ion binding and plasma phosphatidylcholines were higher and plasma cholesterol esters and triacylglycerols were lower in the microbial oil-fed fish compared to the fish fed high cholesterol diet. While the fish fed a mix of microbial oil and Euglena β-glucan had lower plasma triacylglycerols and expression of hepatic genes linked to PPAR signaling pathway and enriched biosynthesis of plasma unsaturated fatty acids, the fish fed microbial oil-Phaeodactylum β-glucan combination had lower abundance of triacylglycerols rich in saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol esters in the plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan H Gora
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Saima Rehman
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | | | | | - Pål A Olsvik
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Mette Sørensen
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Viswanath Kiron
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway.
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4
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Mohanta SK, Yin C, Weber C, Habenicht AJR. Neuroimmune cardiovascular interfaces in atherosclerosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1117368. [PMID: 36793445 PMCID: PMC9923102 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1117368] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Two pairs of biological systems acting over long distances have recently been defined as major participants in the regulation of physiological and pathological tissue reactions: i) the nervous and vascular systems form various blood-brain barriers and control axon growth and angiogenesis; and ii) the nervous and immune systems emerge as key players to direct immune responses and maintain blood vessel integrity. The two pairs have been explored by investigators in relatively independent research areas giving rise to the concepts of the rapidly expanding topics of the neurovascular link and neuroimmunology, respectively. Our recent studies on atherosclerosis led us to consider a more inclusive approach by conceptualizing and combining principles of the neurovascular link and neuroimmunology: we propose that the nervous system, the immune system and the cardiovascular system undergo complex crosstalks in tripartite rather than bipartite interactions to form neuroimmune cardiovascular interfaces (NICIs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarajo K. Mohanta
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Changjun Yin
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas J. R. Habenicht
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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5
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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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6
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Hu YX, You HM, Zhu RF, Liang YL, Li FF, Qin YW, Zhao XX, Liang C, Jing Q. Establishment of a lipid metabolism disorder model in ApoEb mutant zebrafish. Atherosclerosis 2022; 361:18-29. [PMID: 36306655 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.10.008] [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] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS ApoEb is a zebrafish homologous to mammalian ApoE, whose deficiency would lead to lipid metabolism disorders (LMDs) like atherosclerosis. We attempted to knock out the zebrafish ApoEb, then establish a zebrafish model with LMD. METHODS ApoEb was knocked out using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and the accumulation of lipids was confirmed by Oil Red O staining, confocal imaging, and lipid measurements. The lipid-lowering effects of simvastatin (SIM), ezetimibe (EZE) and Xuezhikang (XZK), an extract derived from red yeast rice, were evaluated through in vivo imaging in zebrafish larvae. RESULTS In the ApoEb mutant, significant vascular lipid deposition occurred, and lipid measurement performed in the whole-body homogenate of larvae and adult plasma showed significantly increased lipid levels. SIM, EZE and XZK apparently relieved hyperlipidemia in ApoEb mutants, and XZK had a significant inhibitory effect on the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. CONCLUSIONS In this study, an LMD model has been established in ApoEb mutant zebrafish. We suggest that this versatile model could be applied in studying hypercholesterolemia and related vascular pathology in the context of early atherosclerosis, as well as the physiological function of ApoE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Xi Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Hong-Min You
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Rong-Fang Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yu-Lai Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Fang-Fang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yong-Wen Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xian-Xian Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, 200003, China.
| | - Qing Jing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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7
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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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8
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Bywaters BC, Pedraza G, Trache A, Rivera GM. Endothelial NCK2 promotes atherosclerosis progression in male but not female Nck1-null atheroprone mice. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:955027. [PMID: 36035930 PMCID: PMC9413153 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.955027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of endothelial dysfunction holds promise for more effective interventions for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment. Endothelial signaling by the non-catalytic region of the tyrosine kinase (NCK) family of adaptors, consisting of NCK1 and NCK2, has been implicated in cardiovascular development and postnatal angiogenesis but its role in vascular disease remains incompletely understood. Here, we report stage- and sex-dependent effects of endothelial NCK2 signaling on arterial wall inflammation and atherosclerosis development. Male and female Nck1-null atheroprone mice enabling inducible, endothelial-specific Nck2 inactivation were fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 or 16 weeks to model atherosclerosis initiation and progression, respectively. Analysis of aorta preparations en face during disease progression, but not initiation, showed a significant reduction in plaque burden in males, but not females, lacking endothelial NCK2 relative to controls. Markers of vascular inflammation were reduced by endothelial NCK2 deficiency in both males and females during atherosclerosis progression but not initiation. At advanced stages of disease, plaque size and severity of atherosclerotic lesions were reduced by abrogation of endothelial NCK2 signaling only in males. Collectively, our results demonstrate stage- and sex-dependent modulation of atherosclerosis development by endothelial NCK2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana C. Bywaters
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Briana C. Bywaters
| | - Gladys Pedraza
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Andreea Trache
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Gonzalo M. Rivera
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Gonzalo M. Rivera
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9
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Shin J, Tkachenko S, Chaklader M, Pletz C, Singh K, Bulut GB, Han YM, Mitchell K, Baylis RA, Kuzmin AA, Hu B, Lathia JD, Stenina-Adognravi O, Podrez E, Byzova TV, Owens GK, Cherepanova OA. Endothelial OCT4 is atheroprotective by preventing metabolic and phenotypic dysfunction. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:2458-2477. [PMID: 35325071 PMCID: PMC9890633 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Until recently, the pluripotency factor Octamer (ATGCAAAT)-binding transcriptional factor 4 (OCT4) was believed to be dispensable in adult somatic cells. However, our recent studies provided clear evidence that OCT4 has a critical atheroprotective role in smooth muscle cells. Here, we asked if OCT4 might play a functional role in regulating endothelial cell (EC) phenotypic modulations in atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Specifically, we show that EC-specific Oct4 knockout resulted in increased lipid, LGALS3+ cell accumulation, and altered plaque characteristics consistent with decreased plaque stability. A combination of single-cell RNA sequencing and EC-lineage-tracing studies revealed increased EC activation, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, plaque neovascularization, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the absence of OCT4. Furthermore, we show that the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) transporter, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter G2 (ABCG2), is a direct target of OCT4 in EC and establish for the first time that the OCT4/ABCG2 axis maintains EC metabolic homeostasis by regulating intracellular heme accumulation and related reactive oxygen species production, which, in turn, contributes to atherogenesis. CONCLUSIONS These results provide the first direct evidence that OCT4 has a protective metabolic function in EC and identifies vascular OCT4 and its signalling axis as a potential target for novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Connor Pletz
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kanwardeep Singh
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gamze B Bulut
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Young min Han
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kelly Mitchell
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Richard A Baylis
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrey A Kuzmin
- Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Cytology, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Olga Stenina-Adognravi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Eugene Podrez
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tatiana V Byzova
- Department of Neuroscience, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gary K Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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10
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He LF, Wang C, Zhang YF, Guo CC, Wan Y, Li YX. Effect of Emodin on Hyperlipidemia and Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Zebrafish Larvae Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet. Chem Biodivers 2021; 19:e202100675. [PMID: 34866324 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a complex pathological condition results from lipid metabolism disorder, which is closely related to obesity, atherosclerosis and steatohepatitis. Emodin (EM), a natural anthraquinone, exhibits prominent hypolipidemic effects. However, its exact mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we successfully established hyperlipidemic zebrafish model induced by 4 % high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 10 days and explored the anti-hyperlipidemic roles and underlying mechanisms of EM. The results indicated that EM attenuated the mortality and body mass index (BMI) of zebrafish with HLP, and ameliorated abnormal lipid levels involved in TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C levels. Besides, EM effectively reduced lipid accumulation in blood vessels and liver, alleviated hepatic histological damage, and inhibited vascular neutrophil inflammation. Finally, the mRNA expression of molecules related to lipid metabolism were studied by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to investigated the underlying mechanism. Further results found that treatment with EM up-regulated AMPKα, LDLR, ABCA1 and ABCG1, and down-regulated SREBP-2, PCSK9 and HMGCR expression. In conclusion, EM showed a prominent mitigative effect on lipid metabolism disorder in zebrafish larvae with HCD-stimulated HLP, which was associated with the enhancement of LDL-C uptake and reverse cholesterol transport, and inhibition of cholesterol synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Feng He
- National Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources & Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education & School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1166 Liutai Avenue, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources & Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education & School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1166 Liutai Avenue, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Ya-Fang Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources & Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education & School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1166 Liutai Avenue, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Chao-Cheng Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources & Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education & School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1166 Liutai Avenue, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yan Wan
- National Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources & Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education & School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1166 Liutai Avenue, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yun-Xia Li
- National Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources & Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education & School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1166 Liutai Avenue, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China
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11
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Torzewski M. The Initial Human Atherosclerotic Lesion and Lipoprotein Modification-A Deep Connection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11488. [PMID: 34768918 PMCID: PMC8584004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis research typically focuses on the evolution of intermediate or advanced atherosclerotic lesions rather than on prelesional stages of atherogenesis. Yet these early events may provide decisive leads on the triggers of the pathologic process, before lesions become clinically overt. Thereby, it is mandatory to consider extracellular lipoprotein deposition at this stage as the prerequisite of foam cell formation leading to a remarkable accumulation of LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins). As progression of atherosclerosis displays the characteristic features of a chronic inflammatory process on the one hand and native LDL lacks inflammatory properties on the other hand, the lipoprotein must undergo biochemical modification to become atherogenic. During the last 25 years, evidence was accumulated in support of a different concept on atherogenesis proposing that modification of native LDL occurs through the action of ubiquitous hydrolytic enzymes (enzymatically modified LDL or eLDL) rather than oxidation and contending that the physiological events leading to macrophage uptake and reverse transport of eLDL first occur without inflammation (initiation with reversion). Preventing or reversing initial atherosclerotic lesions would avoid the later stages and therefore prevent clinical manifestations. This concept is in accordance with the response to retention hypothesis directly supporting the strategy of lowering plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins as the most successful therapy for atherosclerosis and its sequelae. Apart from but unquestionable closely related to this concept, there are several other hypotheses on atherosclerotic lesion initiation favoring an initiating role of the immune system ('vascular-associated lymphoid tissue' (VALT)), defining foam cell formation as a variant of lysosomal storage disease, relating to the concept of the inflammasome with crystalline cholesterol and/or mitochondrial DAMPs (damage-associated molecular patterns) being mandatory in driving arterial inflammation and, last but not least, pointing to miRNAs (micro RNAs) as pivotal players. However, direct anti-inflammatory therapies may prove successful as adjuvant components but will likely never be used in the absence of strategies to lower plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins, the key point of the perception that atherosclerosis is not simply an inevitable result of senescence. In particular, given the importance of chemical modifications for lipoprotein atherogenicity, regulation of the enzymes involved might be a tempting target for pharmacological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Torzewski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Hospital Hygiene, Robert Bosch-Hospital, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany
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12
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Sobolev VV, Mezentsev AV, Ziganshin RH, Soboleva AG, Denieva M, Korsunskaya IM, Svitich OA. LC-MS/MS analysis of lesional and normally looking psoriatic skin reveals significant changes in protein metabolism and RNA processing. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0240956. [PMID: 34038424 PMCID: PMC8153457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the development of red scaly plaques. To date psoriasis lesional skin transcriptome has been extensively studied, whereas only few proteomic studies of psoriatic skin are available. Aim The aim of this study was to compare protein expression patterns of lesional and normally looking skin of psoriasis patients with skin of the healthy volunteers, reveal differentially expressed proteins and identify changes in cell metabolism caused by the disease. Methods Skin samples of normally looking and lesional skin donated by psoriasis patients (n = 5) and samples of healthy skin donated by volunteers (n = 5) were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After protein identification and data processing, the set of differentially expressed proteins was subjected to protein ontology analysis to characterize changes in biological processes, cell components and molecular functions in the patients’ skin compared to skin of the healthy volunteers. The expression of selected differentially expressed proteins was validated by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Results The performed analysis identified 405 and 59 differentially expressed proteins in lesional and normally looking psoriatic skin compared to healthy control. In normally looking skin of the patients, we discovered decreased expression of KNG1, APOE, HRG, THBS1 and PLG. Presumably, these changes were needed to protect the epidermis from spontaneous activation of kallikrein-kinin system and delay the following development of inflammatory response. In lesional skin, we identified several large groups of proteins with coordinated expression. Mainly, these proteins were involved in different aspects of protein and RNA metabolism, namely ATP synthesis and consumption; intracellular trafficking of membrane-bound vesicles, pre-RNA processing, translation, chaperoning and degradation in proteasomes/immunoproteasomes. Conclusion Our findings explain the molecular basis of metabolic changes caused by disease in skin lesions, such as faster cell turnover and higher metabolic rate. They also indicate on downregulation of kallikrein-kinin system in normally looking skin of the patients that would be needed to delay exacerbation of the disease. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021673.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. V. Sobolev
- I. Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera RAMS, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Centre of Theoretical Problems of Physico-Chemical Pharmacology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
- * E-mail:
| | - A. V. Mezentsev
- I. Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera RAMS, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Centre of Theoretical Problems of Physico-Chemical Pharmacology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - R. H. Ziganshin
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - A. G. Soboleva
- Centre of Theoretical Problems of Physico-Chemical Pharmacology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Scientific Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - M. Denieva
- Chechen State University, Grozny, Russian Federation
| | - I. M. Korsunskaya
- Centre of Theoretical Problems of Physico-Chemical Pharmacology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - O. A. Svitich
- I. Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera RAMS, Moscow, Russian Federation
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13
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Cao Y. Potential roles of Kruppel-like factors in mediating adverse vascular effects of nanomaterials: A review. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:4-16. [PMID: 33837572 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of nanotechnology leads to the exposure of human beings to nanomaterials (NMs), and there is a health concern about the adverse vascular effects of NMs. Current data from epidemiology, controlled human exposure, and animal studies suggested that exposure to NMs could induce cardiopulmonary effects. In support of in vivo findings, in vitro studies showed that direct contact of vascular cells with NMs could induce endothelial cell (EC) activation and promote macrophage foam cell formation, although only limited studies showed that NMs could damage vascular smooth muscle cells and promote their phenotypic switch. It has been proposed that NMs induced adverse vascular effects via different mechanisms, but it is still necessary to understand the upstream events. Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) are a set of C2H2 zinc finger transcription factors (TFs) that can regulate various aspects of vascular biology, but currently, the roles of KLF2 in mediating the adverse vascular effects of NMs have gained little attention by toxicologists. This review summarized current knowledge about the adverse vascular effects of NMs and proposed the potential roles of KLFs in mediating these effects based on available data from toxicological studies as well as the current understanding about KLFs in vascular biology. Finally, the challenges in investigating the role of KLFs in vascular toxicology were also summarized. Considering the important roles of KLFs in vascular biology, further studies are needed to understand the influence of NMs on KLFs and the downstream events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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14
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Tang D, Geng F, Yu C, Zhang R. Recent Application of Zebrafish Models in Atherosclerosis Research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:643697. [PMID: 33718384 PMCID: PMC7947229 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.643697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Establishing animal models of atherosclerosis is of great benefit for studying its complicated pathogenesis and screening and evaluating related drugs. Although researchers have generated a variety of models for atherosclerosis study in rabbits, mice and rats, the limitations of these models make it difficult to monitor the development of atherosclerosis, and these models are unsuitable for large scale screening of potential therapeutic targets. On the contrast, zebrafish can fulfill these purposes thanks to their fecundity, rapid development ex utero, embryonic transparency, and conserved lipid metabolism process. Thus, zebrafish have become a popular alternative animal model for atherosclerosis research. In this mini review, we summarize different zebrafish models used to study atherosclerosis, focusing on the latest applications of these models to the dynamic monitoring of atherosclerosis progression, mechanistic study of therapeutic intervention and drug screening, and assessment of the impacts of other risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Tang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Geng
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxiao Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruilin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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