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Liu Y, Sun X, Gou Z, Deng Z, Zhang Y, Zhao P, Sun W, Bai Y, Jing Y. Epigenetic modifications in abdominal aortic aneurysms: from basic to clinical. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1394889. [PMID: 38895538 PMCID: PMC11183338 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1394889] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a disease characterized by localized dilation of the abdominal aorta, involving multiple factors in its occurrence and development, ultimately leading to vessel rupture and severe bleeding. AAA has a high mortality rate, and there is a lack of targeted therapeutic drugs. Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in AAA, and the treatment of AAA in the epigenetic field may involve a series of related genes and pathways. Abnormal expression of these genes may be a key factor in the occurrence of the disease and could potentially serve as promising therapeutic targets. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of AAA is of significant importance in revealing the mechanisms underlying the disease and identifying new therapeutic targets. This knowledge can contribute to offering AAA patients better clinical treatment options beyond surgery. This review systematically explores various aspects of epigenetic regulation in AAA, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, and RNA modification. The analysis of the roles of these regulatory mechanisms, along with the identification of relevant genes and pathways associated with AAA, is discussed comprehensively. Additionally, a comprehensive discussion is provided on existing treatment strategies and prospects for epigenetics-based treatments, offering insights for future clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- YuChen Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - XiaoYun Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhen Gou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - ZhenKun Deng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - YunRui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - PingPing Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - YuChen Jing
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Lian P, Cai X, Yang X, Ma Z, Wang C, Liu K, Wu Y, Cao X, Xu Y. Analysis and experimental validation of necroptosis-related molecular classification, immune signature and feature genes in Alzheimer's disease. Apoptosis 2024; 29:726-742. [PMID: 38478169 PMCID: PMC11055779 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01943-8] [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] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Necroptosis, a programmed cell death pathway, has been demonstrated to be activated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the precise role of necroptosis and its correlation with immune cell infiltration in AD remains unclear. In this study, we conducted non-negative matrix factorization clustering analysis to identify three subtypes of AD based on necroptosis-relevant genes. Notably, these subtypes exhibited varying necroptosis scores, clinical characteristics and immune infiltration signatures. Cluster B, characterized by high necroptosis scores, showed higher immune cell infiltration and was associated with a more severe pathology, potentially representing a high-risk subgroup. To identify potential biomarkers for AD within cluster B, we employed two machine learning algorithms: the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Random Forest. Subsequently, we identified eight feature genes (CARTPT, KLHL35, NRN1, NT5DC3, PCYOX1L, RHOQ, SLC6A12, and SLC38A2) that were utilized to develop a diagnosis model with remarkable predictive capacity for AD. Moreover, we conducted validation using bulk RNA-seq, single-nucleus RNA-seq, and in vivo experiments to confirm the expression of these feature genes. In summary, our study identified a novel necroptosis-related subtype of AD and eight diagnostic biomarkers, explored the roles of necroptosis in AD progression and shed new light for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piaopiao Lian
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuoran Ma
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cailin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuebing Cao
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Puertas-Umbert L, Almendra-Pegueros R, Jiménez-Altayó F, Sirvent M, Galán M, Martínez-González J, Rodríguez C. Novel pharmacological approaches in abdominal aortic aneurysm. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:1167-1194. [PMID: 37559446 PMCID: PMC10415166 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe vascular disease and a major public health issue with an unmet medical need for therapy. This disease is featured by a progressive dilation of the abdominal aorta, boosted by atherosclerosis, ageing, and smoking as major risk factors. Aneurysm growth increases the risk of aortic rupture, a life-threatening emergency with high mortality rates. Despite the increasing progress in our knowledge about the etiopathology of AAA, an effective pharmacological treatment against this disorder remains elusive and surgical repair is still the unique available therapeutic approach for high-risk patients. Meanwhile, there is no medical alternative for patients with small aneurysms but close surveillance. Clinical trials assessing the efficacy of antihypertensive agents, statins, doxycycline, or anti-platelet drugs, among others, failed to demonstrate a clear benefit limiting AAA growth, while data from ongoing clinical trials addressing the benefit of metformin on aneurysm progression are eagerly awaited. Recent preclinical studies have postulated new therapeutic targets and pharmacological strategies paving the way for the implementation of future clinical studies exploring these novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarises some of the most relevant clinical and preclinical studies in search of new therapeutic approaches for AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Puertas-Umbert
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Francesc Jiménez-Altayó
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Neuroscience Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Sirvent
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular del Hospital Universitari General de Granollers, Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Galán
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - José Martínez-González
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Rodríguez
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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Rega S, Farina F, Bouhuis S, de Donato S, Chiesa M, Poggio P, Cavallotti L, Bonalumi G, Giambuzzi I, Pompilio G, Perrucci GL. Multi-omics in thoracic aortic aneurysm: the complex road to the simplification. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:131. [PMID: 37475058 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a serious condition that affects the aorta, characterized by the dilation of its first segment. The causes of TAA (e.g., age, hypertension, genetic syndromes) are heterogeneous and contribute to the weakening of the aortic wall. This complexity makes treating this life-threatening aortopathy challenging, as there are currently no etiological therapy available, and pharmacological strategies, aimed at avoiding surgical aortic replacement, are merely palliative. Recent studies on novel therapies for TAA have focused on identifying biological targets and etiological mechanisms of the disease by using advanced -omics techniques, including epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches. METHODS This review presents the latest findings from -omics approaches and underscores the importance of integrating multi-omics data to gain more comprehensive understanding of TAA. RESULTS Literature suggests that the alterations in TAA mediators frequently involve members of pro-fibrotic process (i.e., TGF-β signaling pathways) or proteins associated with cell/extracellular structures (e.g., aggrecans). Further analyses often reported the importance in TAA of processes as inflammation (PCR, CD3, leukotriene compounds), oxidative stress (chromatin OXPHOS, fatty acids), mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (e.g., PPARs and HIF1a). Of note, more recent metabolomics studies added novel molecular markers to the list of TAA-specific detrimental mediators (proteoglycans). CONCLUSION It is increasingly clear that integrating data from different -omics branches, along with clinical data, is essential as well as complicated both to reveal hidden relevant information and to address complex diseases such as TAA. Importantly, recent progresses in metabolomics highlighted novel potential and unprecedented marks in TAA diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rega
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Unit for the Study of Aortic, Valvular and Coronary Pathologies, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Floriana Farina
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Silvia Bouhuis
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia de Donato
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Chiesa
- Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Facility, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Biomedical Engineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Poggio
- Unit for the Study of Aortic, Valvular and Coronary Pathologies, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Cavallotti
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bonalumi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Giambuzzi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca L Perrucci
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
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Chen Y, Xu X, Chen Z, Huang B, Wang X, Fan X. DNA methylation alternation in Stanford- A acute aortic dissection. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:455. [PMID: 36309656 PMCID: PMC9618190 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02882-5] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown that DNA methylation may be associated with the pathological mechanism of AAD, but the panorama of DNA methylation needs to be explored. Methods DNA methylation patterns were screened using Infinium Human Methylation 450 K BeadChip in the aortic tissues from 4 patients with Stanford-A AAD and 4 controls. Gene enrichment was analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology (GO). DNA methylation levels of candidate genes were determined by pyrosequencing in the replication cohort including 16 patients with AAD and 7 controls. Protein expression level of candidate gene was assessed by Western blot. Results A total of 589 differentially methylated positions including 315 hypomethylated and 274 hypermethylated positions were found in AAD group. KEGG analysis demonstrated that differentially methylated position-associated genes were enriched in MAPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and apoptosis pathway, et al. GO analysis demonstrated that differentially methylated position-associated genes were enriched in protein binding, angiogenesis and heart development et al. The differential DNA methylation in five key genes, including Fas, ANGPT2, DUSP6, FARP1 and CARD6, was authenticated in the independent replication cohort. The protein expression level of the Fas was increased by 1.78 times, indicating the possible role of DNA methylation in regulation of gene expression. Conclusion DNA methylation was markedly changed in the aortic tissues of Stanford-A AAD and associated with gene dysregulation, involved in AAD progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at10.1186/s12872-022-02882-5.
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Chai T, Tian M, Yang X, Qiu Z, Lin X, Chen L. Association of Circulating Cathepsin B Levels With Blood Pressure and Aortic Dilation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:762468. [PMID: 35425820 PMCID: PMC9001941 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.762468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a key risk factor for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and aortic dilation. Circulating proteins play key roles in a range of biological processes and represent a major source of druggable targets. The aim of this study was to identify circulating proteins that were associated with blood pressure (BP), SCAD and aortic dilation. We identified shared genetic variants of BP and SCAD in genome-wide association studies, searched for circulating protein affected by these variants and examined the association of circulating protein levels with BP, aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) and aortic diameters by integrating data from circulating protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) studies and genome wide association study (GWAS) in individuals from the UK Biobank using two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis methods. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in JAG1, ERI1, ULK4, THSD4, CMIP, COL4A2, FBN1, FAM76B, FGGY, NUS1, and HNF4G, which were related to extracellular matrix components, were associated with both BP and SCAD. We found 49 significant pQTL signals among these SNPs. The regulated proteins were encoded by MMP10, IL6R, FIGF, MMP1, CTSB, IGHG1, DSG2, TTC17, RETN, POMC, SCARF2, RELT, and GALNT16, which were enriched in biological processes such as collagen metabolic process and multicellular organism metabolic process. Causal associations between BP and AAD and aortic diameters were detected. Significant associations between circulating levels of cathepsin B, a well-known prorenin processing enzyme, and BP and aortic diameters were identified by using several Mendelian randomization analysis methods and were validated by independent data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianci Chai
- Department of Cardiovasclar Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Fujian Medical University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinyi People’s Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mengyue Tian
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Fujian Medical University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhihuang Qiu
- Department of Cardiovasclar Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Fujian Medical University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinjian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangwan Chen
- Department of Cardiovasclar Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Fujian Medical University), Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liangwan Chen,
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Circular RNA Expression: Its Potential Regulation and Function in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:9934951. [PMID: 34306317 PMCID: PMC8263248 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9934951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have posed a great threat to human life, and the necessity of its monitoring and treatment is decided by symptomatology and/or the aneurysm size. Accumulating evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) contribute a part to the pathogenesis of AAAs. circRNAs are novel single-stranded RNAs with a closed loop structure and high stability, having become the candidate biomarkers for numerous kinds of human disorders. Besides, circRNAs act as molecular "sponge" in organisms, capable of regulating the transcription level. Here, we characterize that the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of circRNAs in AAA development were further elucidated. In the present work, studies on the biosynthesis, bibliometrics, and mechanisms of action of circRNAs were aims comprehensively reviewed, the role of circRNAs in the AAA pathogenic mechanism was illustrated, and their potential in diagnosing AAAs was examined. Moreover, the current evidence about the effects of circRNAs on AAA development through modulating endothelial cells (ECs), macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was summarized. Through thorough investigation, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of circRNAs in AAA development were further elucidated. The results demonstrated that circRNAs had the application potential in the diagnosis and prevention of AAAs in clinical practice. The study of circRNA regulatory pathways would be of great assistance to the etiologic research of AAAs.
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Zhou X, Chen Z, Zhou J, Liu Y, Fan R, Sun T. Transcriptome and N6-Methyladenosine RNA Methylome Analyses in Aortic Dissection and Normal Human Aorta. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:627380. [PMID: 34124185 PMCID: PMC8193080 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.627380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and the expressions of the m6A regulatory genes in the acute aortic dissection (AD). Methods: MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq experiments of aortic media tissue samples obtained from AD (n = 4) and Controls (n = 4) were conducted. m6A methylation quantification was used to measure the total mRNA m6A level. The five m6A regulators mRNA expressions were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Western blot analyses and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the difference of METTL14 protein expression in the aortas of AD and Normal. Results: Among AD patients, we detected significantly elevated levels of m6A in total RNA. Compared with the normal group, the up methylated coding genes of AD were primarily enriched in the processes associated with extracellular fibril organization, while the genes with down methylation were enriched in the processes associated with cell death regulation. Furthermore, many differentially methylated m6A sites (DMMSs) coding proteins were mainly annotated during the extracellular matrix and inflammatory responses. Conclusions: These findings indicate that differential m6A methylation and m6A regulatory genes, including MTEEL14 and FTO, may act on functional genes through RNA modification, thereby regulating the pathogenesis of aortic dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwu Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zerui Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianrong Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaorong Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruixin Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tucheng Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Lu H, Zhang J, Chen YE, Garcia-Barrio MT. Integration of Transformative Platforms for the Discovery of Causative Genes in Cardiovascular Diseases. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2021; 35:637-654. [PMID: 33856594 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-021-07175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are powerful epidemiological tools to find genes and variants associated with cardiovascular diseases while follow-up biological studies allow to better understand the etiology and mechanisms of disease and assign causality. Improved methodologies and reduced costs have allowed wider use of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, human-induced pluripotent stem cells, organoids, metabolomics, epigenomics, and novel animal models in conjunction with GWAS. In this review, we feature recent advancements relevant to cardiovascular diseases arising from the integration of genetic findings with multiple enabling technologies within multidisciplinary teams to highlight the solidifying transformative potential of this approach. Well-designed workflows integrating different platforms are greatly improving and accelerating the unraveling and understanding of complex disease processes while promoting an effective way to find better drug targets, improve drug design and repurposing, and provide insight towards a more personalized clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haocheng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA.,Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA. .,Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Minerva T Garcia-Barrio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA.
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Davis FM, Tsoi LC, Melvin WJ, denDekker A, Wasikowski R, Joshi AD, Wolf S, Obi AT, Billi AC, Xing X, Audu C, Moore BB, Kunkel SL, Daugherty A, Lu HS, Gudjonsson JE, Gallagher KA. Inhibition of macrophage histone demethylase JMJD3 protects against abdominal aortic aneurysms. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211922. [PMID: 33779682 PMCID: PMC8008365 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a life-threatening disease for which there is a lack of effective therapy preventing aortic rupture. During AAA formation, pathological vascular remodeling is driven by macrophage infiltration, and the mechanisms regulating macrophage-mediated inflammation remain undefined. Recent evidence suggests that an epigenetic enzyme, JMJD3, plays a critical role in establishing macrophage phenotype. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of human AAA tissues, we identified increased JMJD3 in aortic monocyte/macrophages resulting in up-regulation of an inflammatory immune response. Mechanistically, we report that interferon-β regulates Jmjd3 expression via JAK/STAT and that JMJD3 induces NF-κB–mediated inflammatory gene transcription in infiltrating aortic macrophages. In vivo targeted inhibition of JMJD3 with myeloid-specific genetic depletion (JMJD3f/fLyz2Cre+) or pharmacological inhibition in the elastase or angiotensin II–induced AAA model preserved the repressive H3K27me3 on inflammatory gene promoters and markedly reduced AAA expansion and attenuated macrophage-mediated inflammation. Together, our findings suggest that cell-specific pharmacologic therapy targeting JMJD3 may be an effective intervention for AAA expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M Davis
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lam C Tsoi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Computation Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - William J Melvin
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Aaron denDekker
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Amrita D Joshi
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sonya Wolf
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Andrea T Obi
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Allison C Billi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Xianying Xing
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Christopher Audu
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Bethany B Moore
- Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Steven L Kunkel
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Department of Physiology, Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Hong S Lu
- Department of Physiology, Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Katherine A Gallagher
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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11
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Vats S, Sundquist K, Wang X, Zarrouk M, Ågren-Witteschus S, Sundquist J, Gottsäter A, Memon AA. Associations of global DNA methylation and homocysteine levels with abdominal aortic aneurysm: A cohort study from a population-based screening program in Sweden. Int J Cardiol 2020; 321:137-142. [PMID: 32593727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition with a mortality rate of over 80%. Persistent smoking, which is a risk factor for AAA, has lasting effects on DNA methylation. Moreover, a plasma-amino acid, homocysteine, previously implicated in vascular diseases, including aneurysms, has well-established biological association with methylation. In the present study, we aimed to determine the global DNA methylation, homocysteine levels and their association with AAA and its growth. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify global DNA methylation in whole blood-DNA samples and diagnostic enzymatic assay quantified plasma homocysteine, from 65-year old men with (n = 116) and without AAA (n = 230) diagnosed at ultrasound screening. We found significantly higher global DNA methylation (p < .001) and homocysteine levels (p < .001) in men with AAA compared to those without AAA, and direct linear associations with baseline aortic diameter. On multivariable regression analysis, global DNA methylation (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.9) and homocysteine levels (OR: 1.1; 95% CI:1.0-1.1) were positively associated with AAA, independent of smoking, medication use, and major co-morbidities. However, we did not find any significant association between DNA methylation or homocysteine levels with AAA growth during follow-up. We found that global DNA methylation and homocysteine levels are higher in men with AAA but are not associated with AAA growth. This indicates that different pathways and mechanisms may be involved in initiation and progression of AAA. More studies are needed to understand the precise role of DNA methylation, homocysteine and their interplay in AAA pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Vats
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Sweden.
| | | | - Xiao Wang
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Moncef Zarrouk
- Vascular Centre, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, S-205 02 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Sophia Ågren-Witteschus
- Vascular Centre, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, S-205 02 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Anders Gottsäter
- Vascular Centre, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, S-205 02 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ashfaque A Memon
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Sweden
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12
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Gurung R, Choong AM, Woo CC, Foo R, Sorokin V. Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176334. [PMID: 32878347 PMCID: PMC7504666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) refers to the localized dilatation of the infra-renal aorta, in which the diameter exceeds 3.0 cm. Loss of vascular smooth muscle cells, degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), vascular inflammation, and oxidative stress are hallmarks of AAA pathogenesis and contribute to the progressive thinning of the media and adventitia of the aortic wall. With increasing AAA diameter, and left untreated, aortic rupture ensues with high mortality. Collective evidence of recent genetic and epigenetic studies has shown that phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) towards dedifferentiation and proliferative state, which associate with the ECM remodeling of the vascular wall and accompanied with increased cell senescence and inflammation, is seen in in vitro and in vivo models of the disease. This review critically analyses existing publications on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms implicated in the complex role of SMCs within the aortic wall in AAA formation and reflects the importance of SMCs plasticity in AAA formation. Although evidence from the wide variety of mouse models is convincing, how this knowledge is applied to human biology needs to be addressed urgently leveraging modern in vitro and in vivo experimental technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rijan Gurung
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (R.G.); (R.F.)
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Andrew Mark Choong
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 8, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (A.M.C.); (C.C.W.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Chin Cheng Woo
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 8, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (A.M.C.); (C.C.W.)
| | - Roger Foo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (R.G.); (R.F.)
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Vitaly Sorokin
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 8, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (A.M.C.); (C.C.W.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-6779-5555
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13
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Karthika CL, Ahalya S, Radhakrishnan N, Kartha CC, Sumi S. Hemodynamics mediated epigenetic regulators in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 476:125-143. [PMID: 32844345 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endothelium of blood vessels is continuously exposed to various hemodynamic forces. Flow-mediated epigenetic plasticity regulates vascular endothelial function. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of mechanosensing-related epigenetics in localized endothelial dysfunction and the regional susceptibility for lesions in vascular diseases. In this article, we review the epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA de/methylation, histone modifications, as well as non-coding RNAs in promoting endothelial dysfunction in major arterial and venous diseases, consequent to hemodynamic alterations. We also discuss the current challenges and future prospects for the use of mechanoepigenetic mediators as biomarkers of early stages of vascular diseases and dysregulated mechanosensing-related epigenetic regulators as therapeutic targets in various vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Karthika
- Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - S Ahalya
- Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - N Radhakrishnan
- St.Thomas Institute of Research on Venous Diseases, Changanassery, Kerala, India
| | - C C Kartha
- Society for Continuing Medical Education & Research (SOCOMER), Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - S Sumi
- Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.
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14
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Peters FS, Peeters AMA, van den Bosch TPP, Mooyaart AL, van de Wetering J, Betjes MGH, Baan CC, Boer K. Disrupted regulation of serpinB9 in circulating T cells is associated with an increased risk for post-transplant skin cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 197:341-351. [PMID: 31059128 PMCID: PMC6693965 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a serious complication after organ transplantation and patients benefit from an early risk assessment. We hypothesized that functional differences in circulating T cells may represent risk factors for post‐transplant cSCC development. Here, we analysed genome‐wide DNA methylation of circulating T cells of kidney transplant recipients before the clinical onset of cSCC, to identify differences associated with post‐transplant cSCC development. This analysis identified higher DNA methylation of SERPINB9, which is an intracellular inhibitor of granzyme B, a protein that induces apoptosis in target cells. High DNA methylation of SERPINB9 in circulating T cells was confirmed in a second patient cohort during recurrent cSCC, indicating that high SERPINB9 methylation represents a persistent risk factor for cSCC development. At the functional level, the inverse correlation between DNA methylation and messenger RNA expression present in non‐cSCC patients was absent in the cSCC patients. Also, a significant difference in serpinB9 protein expression between cSCC patients and non‐cSCC patients was observed. It was concluded that disturbed regulation of serpinB9 in circulating T cells represents a novel risk factor for post‐transplant cSCC in kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F S Peters
- Rotterdam Transplant Group, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A M A Peeters
- Rotterdam Transplant Group, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - T P P van den Bosch
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A L Mooyaart
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J van de Wetering
- Rotterdam Transplant Group, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M G H Betjes
- Rotterdam Transplant Group, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C C Baan
- Rotterdam Transplant Group, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - K Boer
- Rotterdam Transplant Group, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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15
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Xia Q, Zhang J, Han Y, Zhang X, Jiang H, Lun Y, Wu X, Gang Q, Liu Z, Böckler D, Duan Z, Xin S. Epigenetic regulation of regulatory T cells in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 9:1137-1143. [PMID: 31001930 PMCID: PMC6551495 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal arterial aneurysm (AAA) shares many features with autoimmune diseases and appears to be a T-cell-mediated process. In addition, certain epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, are associated with AAA. In this study, we investigated epigenetic modifications in regulatory T cells (Tregs) from AAA patients. We used flow cytometry to sort FOXP3+ CD4+ CD25+ Tregs from the peripheral blood of AAA patients and from healthy controls (HC), and then detected DNA methylation and histone modifications by ELISA. The DNA methylation rate of Tregs was significantly higher in AAA patients than in the HC group (0.159 ± 0.08% vs 0.098 ± 0.03%, P < 0.05), while the acetylation rates of H3 and H3K9 histones were lower in the AAA than in the HC group. We also examined the expression of mRNA encoding enzymes that catalyze making and removing epigenetic modifications by real-time PCR: we found that mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1 and DNMT3A were higher in the AAA than in the HC group, mRNA levels of methyl-CpG-binding domain protein (MBD) 2 and MBD4 were higher in the AAA than in the HC group (MBD2: 6.21 ± 2.57 vs 3.04 ± 1.45; MBD4: 7.76 ± 3.48 vs 4.97 ± 3.10; both P < 0.05), and mRNA levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 and HDAC5 were significantly up-regulated in the AAA compared with the HC group (HDAC1: 2.17 ± 1.18 vs 1.51 ± 0.99; HDAC5: 1.35 ± 0.49 vs 0.94 ± 0.76; both P < 0.05). Together, our results reveal that rates of DNA methylation and histone modifications of Tregs are significantly altered in AAA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xia
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanshuo Han
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Han Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Lun
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingwei Gang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhimin Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dittmar Böckler
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zhiquan Duan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shijie Xin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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16
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Makrygiannis G, Mourmoura E, Spanos K, Roussas N, Kuivaniemi H, Sakalihasan N, Tsezou A, Giannoukas A. Risk Factor Assessment in a Greek Cohort of Patients With Large Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. Angiology 2018; 70:35-40. [PMID: 29739236 DOI: 10.1177/0003319718774474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Environmental and genetic risk factors contribute to the etiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been associated with the pathophysiology of AAAs. A prospective, nonrandomized case-control study was undertaken to investigate the risk factors for large AAAs (≥5.5 cm) among 175 male Greek AAA patients and to compare the results with a cohort of 166 male controls free from any aortic dilatation, as confirmed by ultrasonography from an existing AAA screening program in the same region. We also assessed the potential association between 2 functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes MMP9 (-1561C/T; rs3918242) and MMP13 (-77A/G; rs2252070), and the presence of large AAAs. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed AAA family history ( P = .028), hypercholesterolemia ( P < .001), and current smoking ( P < .001) as AAA risk factors. Statistical difference was reached in genotype ( P = .047) and allele ( P = .037) frequencies for rs2252070, but the results did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. No significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies for rs3918242 were detected. In summary, AAA family history, hypercholesterolemia, and current smoking were found to be risk factors for large AAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Makrygiannis
- 1 Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Greece.,2 Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Evanthia Mourmoura
- 3 Department of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Roussas
- 1 Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - Helena Kuivaniemi
- 4 Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Natzi Sakalihasan
- 2 Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aspasia Tsezou
- 3 Department of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.,5 Department of Biology, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
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17
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Toghill BJ, Saratzis A, Freeman PJ, Sylvius N, Bown MJ. SMYD2 promoter DNA methylation is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and SMYD2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:29. [PMID: 29507647 PMCID: PMC5833080 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a deadly cardiovascular disease characterised by the gradual, irreversible dilation of the abdominal aorta. AAA is a complex genetic disease but little is known about the role of epigenetics. Our objective was to determine if global DNA methylation and CpG-specific methylation at known AAA risk loci is associated with AAA, and the functional effects of methylation changes. Results We assessed global methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cell DNA from 92 individuals with AAA and 93 controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, identifying hyper-methylation in those with large AAA and a positive linear association with AAA diameter (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.3175).We then determined CpG methylation status of regulatory regions in genes located at AAA risk loci identified in genome-wide association studies, using bisulphite next-generation sequencing (NGS) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) taken from aortic tissues of 44 individuals (24 AAAs and 20 controls). In IL6R, 2 CpGs were hyper-methylated (P = 0.0145); in ERG, 13 CpGs were hyper-methylated (P = 0.0005); in SERPINB9, 6 CpGs were hypo-methylated (P = 0.0037) and 1 CpG was hyper-methylated (P = 0.0098); and in SMYD2, 4 CpGs were hypo-methylated (P = 0.0012).RT-qPCR was performed for each differentially methylated gene on mRNA from the same VSMCs and compared with methylation. This analysis revealed downregulation of SMYD2 and SERPINB9 in AAA, and a direct linear relationship between SMYD2 promoter methylation and SMYD2 expression (P = 0.038). Furthermore, downregulation of SMYD2 at the site of aneurysm in the aortic wall was further corroborated in 6 of the same samples used for methylation and gene expression analysis with immunohistochemistry. Conclusions This study is the first to assess DNA methylation in VSMCs from individuals with AAA using NGS, and provides further evidence there is an epigenetic basis to AAA. Our study shows that methylation status of the SMYD2 promoter may be linked with decreased SMYD2 expression in disease pathobiology. In support of our work, downregulated SMYD2 has previously been associated with adverse cardiovascular physiology and inflammation, which are both hallmarks of AAA. The identification of such adverse epigenetic modifications could potentially contribute towards the development of epigenetic treatment strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Toghill
- 1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7LX UK
| | - Athanasios Saratzis
- 1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7LX UK
| | - Peter J Freeman
- 2Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH UK
| | - Nicolas Sylvius
- 2Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH UK
| | | | - Matthew J Bown
- 1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7LX UK
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18
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Kidholm CL, Beck HC, Madsen JB, Palstrøm NB, Lindholt JS, Rasmussen LM. Preliminary analysis of proteome alterations in non-aneurysmal, internal mammary artery tissue from patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192957. [PMID: 29470511 PMCID: PMC5823374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) involves a disturbed balance of breakdown and buildup of arterial proteins. We envision that individuals with AAA carry generalized arterial protein alterations either because of effects of genetically or environmental AAA risk factors or because of compensatory changes due to signaling molecules released from the affected aneurysmal tissue. Approach Protein extraction and quantitative proteome analysis by LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) was done on individual samples from the internal mammary artery from 11 individuals with AAA and 33 sex- and age-matched controls without AAA. Samples were selected from a biobank of leftover internal mammary arterial tissue gathered at coronary by-pass operations. Results We identified and quantitated 877 proteins, of which 44 were differentially expressed between the two groups (nominal p-values without correction for multiple testing). Some proteins related to the extracellular matrix displayed altered concentrations in the AAA group, particularly among elastin-related molecules [elastin, microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4), lysyl oxidase]. In addition, several histones e.g. (e.g. HIST1H1E, HIST1H2BB) and other vascular cell proteins (e.g. versican, type VI collagen) were altered. Conclusions Our results support the notion that generalized alterations occur in the arterial tree in patients with AAA. Elastin-related proteins and histones seem to be part of such changes, however these preliminary results require replication in an independent set of specimens and validation by functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lund Kidholm
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Hans Christian Beck
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Julie Bukh Madsen
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nikolai Bjødstrup Palstrøm
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jes Sanddal Lindholt
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Melholt Rasmussen
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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19
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Fiotti N, Calvagna C, Sgorlon G, Altamura N, Pitacco P, Zamolo F, Di Girolamo FG, Chiarandini S, Biolo G, Adovasio R. Multiple sites of vascular dilation or aneurysmal disease and matrix metalloproteinase genetic variants in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. J Vasc Surg 2017; 67:1727-1735. [PMID: 29291905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2017.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess whether functional genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 3, 9, and 12 are associated with arterial enlargements or aneurysms of the thoracic aorta or popliteal arteries in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS The associations between MMP1 (-1607 G in/del, rs1799750), MMP3 (-1171 A in/del rs35068180), MMP9 (13-26 CA repeats around -90, rs2234681, rs917576, rs917577), and MMP12 (G/T missense variation, rs652438) polymorphisms and enlargements or aneurysms of the thoracic aorta and popliteal arteries were tested in 169 consecutive AAA patients. RESULTS Thoracic aorta enlargement or aneurysm (TE/A; maximum diameter, >35 mm) was detected in 34 patients (20.1% prevalence). MMP9 rs2234681 microsatellite was the only genetic determinant of TE/A in AAA patients (P = .003), followed by hypercholesterolemia and antiplatelet use. Carriers of both alleles with ≥22 CA repeats had a 5.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-18.6; P < .0001) increased odds of TE/A, and a score considering all three variables showed 98% negative predictive value and 30% positive predictive value for thoracic aortic aneurysm detection. Eighty-two popliteal artery enlargements or aneurysms (diameter >10 mm) occurred in 55 patients (33.1% prevalence). Carriers of MMP12 rs652438 C allele showed an 18% (P = .006) increased diameter in popliteal arteries and a 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.3-6; P = .008) increased odds of popliteal artery enlargement or aneurysm compared with TT genotype. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with AAA, carriers of homozygous ≥22 CA repeats in MMP9 rs12234681 and of C allele in MMP12 rs652438 have a substantial risk of carrying thoracic and popliteal enlargements, respectively.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Alleles
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/diagnosis
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/enzymology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/diagnosis
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/enzymology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics
- Computed Tomography Angiography
- DNA/genetics
- Dilatation, Pathologic/diagnosis
- Dilatation, Pathologic/enzymology
- Dilatation, Pathologic/genetics
- Female
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Genetic Variation
- Genotype
- Humans
- Male
- Matrix Metalloproteinases/genetics
- Matrix Metalloproteinases/metabolism
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Popliteal Artery
- Risk Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Fiotti
- Unit of Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Cristiano Calvagna
- Unit of Vascular Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giada Sgorlon
- Unit of Vascular Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicola Altamura
- Unit of Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Pitacco
- Unit of Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Zamolo
- Unit of Vascular Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Giorgio Di Girolamo
- Unit of Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Chiarandini
- Unit of Vascular Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianni Biolo
- Unit of Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberto Adovasio
- Unit of Vascular Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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20
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Toghill BJ, Saratzis A, Bown MJ. Abdominal aortic aneurysm-an independent disease to atherosclerosis? Cardiovasc Pathol 2017; 27:71-75. [PMID: 28189002 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are multifactorial and polygenic diseases with known environmental and genetic risk factors that contribute toward disease development. Atherosclerosis represents an important independent risk factor for AAA, as people with AAA often have atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that comorbidity is usually between ~25% and 55%, but it is still not fully known whether this association is causal or a result of common shared risk profiles. Most recent epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence suggests that the two pathologies are more distinct than traditionally thought. For instance diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are high risk for atherosclerosis development but are not as pronounced in AAA, whereas smoking, gender, and ethnicity are particularly high risk for AAA but less so for atherosclerosis. In addition, genetic and epigenetic studies have identified independent risk loci involved in AAA susceptibility that are not associated with other cardiovascular diseases, and research on important common cardiovascular biomarkers has illustrated discrepancies in those with AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Toghill
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK..
| | - Athanasios Saratzis
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Matthew J Bown
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Aortic Aneurysms. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:7268521. [PMID: 28116311 PMCID: PMC5237727 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7268521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aneurysms are characterized by structural deterioration of the vascular wall leading to progressive dilatation and, potentially, rupture of the aorta. While aortic aneurysms often remain clinically silent, the morbidity and mortality associated with aneurysm expansion and rupture are considerable. Over 13,000 deaths annually in the United States are attributable to aortic aneurysm rupture with less than 1 in 3 persons with aortic aneurysm rupture surviving to surgical intervention. Environmental and epidemiologic risk factors including smoking, male gender, hypertension, older age, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and family history are highly associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms, while heritable genetic mutations are commonly associated with aneurysms of the thoracic aorta. Similar to other forms of cardiovascular disease, family history, genetic variation, and heritable mutations modify the risk of aortic aneurysm formation and provide mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of human aortic aneurysms. This review will examine the relationship between heritable genetic and epigenetic influences on thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm formation and rupture.
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Abstract
The term epigenetics is usually used to describe inheritable changes in gene function which do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. These typically include non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation and histone modifications. Smoking and older age are recognised risk factors for peripheral artery diseases, such as occlusive lower limb artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and have been implicated in promoting epigenetic changes. This brief review describes studies that have associated epigenetic factors with peripheral artery diseases and investigations which have examined the effect of epigenetic modifications on the outcome of peripheral artery diseases in mouse models. Investigations have largely focused on microRNAs and have identified a number of circulating microRNAs associated with human peripheral artery diseases. Upregulating or antagonising a number of microRNAs has also been reported to limit aortic aneurysm development and hind limb ischemia in mouse models. The importance of DNA methylation and histone modifications in peripheral artery disease has been relatively little studied. Whether circulating microRNAs can be used to assist identification of patients with peripheral artery diseases and be modified in order to improve the outcome of peripheral artery disease will require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Golledge
- The Vascular Biology Unit, Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
| | - Erik Biros
- The Vascular Biology Unit, Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - John Bingley
- Vascular Surgery Unit, Mater Hospital Brisbane, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Vikram Iyer
- The Vascular Biology Unit, Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Smriti M Krishna
- The Vascular Biology Unit, Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a pathological condition of permanent dilation that portends the potentially fatal consequence of aortic rupture. This review emphasizes recent advances in mechanistic insight into aneurysm pathogenesis and potential pharmacologic therapies that are on the horizon for AAAs. RECENT FINDINGS An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that genetic factors, including 3p12.3, DAB2IP, LDLr, LRP1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, TGFBR2, and SORT1 loci, are associated with AAA development. Current human studies and animal models have shown that many leukocytes and inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1, IL-17, TGF-β, and angiotensin II, are involved in the pathogenesis of AAAs. Leukocytic infiltration into aortic media leads to smooth muscle cell depletion, generation of reactive oxygen species, and extracellular matrix fragmentation. Preclinical investigations into pharmacological therapies for AAAs have provided intriguing insight into the roles of microRNAs in regulating many pathological pathways in AAA development. Several large clinical trials are ongoing, seeking to translate preclinical findings into therapeutic options. SUMMARY Recent studies have identified many potential mechanisms involved in AAA pathogenesis that provide insight into the development of a medical treatment for this disease.
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Kuivaniemi H, Ryer EJ, Elmore JR, Tromp G. Understanding the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2016; 13:975-87. [PMID: 26308600 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.2015.1074861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
An aortic aneurysm is a dilatation in which the aortic diameter is ≥3.0 cm. If left untreated, the aortic wall continues to weaken and becomes unable to withstand the forces of the luminal blood pressure resulting in progressive dilatation and rupture, a catastrophic event associated with a mortality of 50-80%. Smoking and positive family history are important risk factors for the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Several genetic risk factors have also been identified. On the histological level, visible hallmarks of AAA pathogenesis include inflammation, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, extracellular matrix degradation and oxidative stress. We expect that large genetic, genomic, epigenetic, proteomic and metabolomic studies will be undertaken by international consortia to identify additional risk factors and biomarkers, and to enhance our understanding of the pathobiology of AAA. Collaboration between different research groups will be important in overcoming the challenges to develop pharmacological treatments for AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Kuivaniemi
- a 1 Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA
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Moxon JV, Golledge J. The Need for Translational Research to Advance Peripheral Artery Disease Management. Int J Mol Sci 2015. [PMCID: PMC4463693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160511125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph V. Moxon
- The Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; E-Mail:
| | - Jonathan Golledge
- The Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; E-Mail:
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, the Townsville Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +61-7-4781-4130; Fax: +61-7-4781-3652
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