Role of NF-κB in Platelet Function

Effects of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide on the growth, intestinal microbiota and immunity of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and explore its underlying mechanisms. The crayfish were randomly divided into six groups, and the diets were supplemented with COS at levels of 0 (C0), 0.2 (C1), 0.4 (C2), 0.6 (C3), 0.8 (C4), and 1 (C5) g kg-1. Treatment with COS significantly improved the growth performance of the crayfish with a higher weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) in the C2 group compared to the C0 group. Additionally, the content of crude protein in the crayfish muscles in the C1 group was significantly higher than that of the C0 group. Regarding non-specific immunity, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and the levels of expression of the genes related to immunity (SOD; anti-lipopolysaccharide factor [ALF]; thioredoxin1 [Trx1]; C-type lysozyme, [C-LZM]; and GSH-Px) in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph increased significantly (P < 0.05) after supplementation with 0.4 g kg-1 of COS, while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased (P < 0.05). The survival rate of C. quadricarinatus increased (P < 0.05) in the C2, C3, C4, and C5 groups after the challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. This study found that COS has the potential to modulate the composition of the intestinal microbiota and significantly reduce the abundance of species of the phylum Proteobacteria and the genera Aeromonas and Vibrio in the gut of C. quadricarinatus, while the abundance of bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes and the genus Candidatus_Hepatoplasma improved significantly. This study suggests that the inclusion of COS in the diet of C. quadricarinatus can enhance growth, boost immunity, and increase resistance to infection with A. hydrophila, especially when supplemented at 0.4-0.8 g kg-1.

SIAH1 Promotes the Pyroptosis of Cardiomyocytes in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy via Regulating IκB-α/NF-κВ Signaling

Inflammation-mediated dysfunction of cardiomyocytes is the main cause of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The present study aimed to investigate the roles of siah E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (SIAH1) in DCM. The online dataset GSE4172 was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in myocardial inflammation of DCM patients. RT-qPCR was conducted to detect mRNA levels. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was performed to detect cytokine release. Western blot was used to detect protein expression. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was used to determine cytotoxicity. In vitro ubiquitination assay was applied to determine the ubiquitination of nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha (1κВ-α). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect the death of cardiomyocytes. Flow cytometry was applied for determining cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. The results showed that SIAH1 was overexpressed in human inflammatory cardiomyopathy. High expression of SIAH1 was associated with inflammatory response. SIAH1 was also overexpressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cardiomyopathy model in vitro. However, SIAH1 knockdown suppressed the inflammatory-related pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes. SIAH1 promoted the ubiquitination of 1κВ-α and activated nuclear factor kappa В (NF-κВ) signaling, which promoted the pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, SIAH1 exacerbated the progression of human inflammatory cardiomyopathy via inducing the ubiquitination of 1κВ-α and activation of NF-κВ signaling. Therefore, SIAHI/IκB-α/NF-κB signaling may be a potential target for human inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

Nanocarriers for gene delivery to the cardiovascular system

Cardiovascular diseases have posed a great threat to human health. Fortunately, gene therapy holds great promise in the fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD). In gene therapy, it is necessary to select the appropriate carriers to deliver the genes to the target cells of the target organs. There are usually two types of carriers, viral carriers and non-viral carriers. However, problems such as high immunogenicity, inflammatory response, and limited loading capacity have arisen with the use of viral carriers. Therefore, scholars turned their attention to non-viral carriers. Among them, nanocarriers are highly valued because of their easy modification, targeting, and low toxicity. Despite the many successes of gene therapy in the treatment of human diseases, it is worth noting that there are still many problems to be solved in the field of gene therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we give a brief introduction to the common nanocarriers and several common cardiovascular diseases (arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, myocardial hypertrophy). On this basis, the application of gene delivery nanocarriers in the treatment of these diseases is introduced in detail.

Effect of oral versus parenteral vitamin D3 supplementation on nuclear factor-κB and platelet aggregation in type 2 diabetic patients

Platelet hyperactivity is one of the key factors implicated in the development and progression of diabetic vascular complications. Activated platelets mediate leukocyte recruitment that further enhances inflammatory responses in vascular wall ultimately resulting in atherosclerotic complications. Since vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent in diabetics, we aimed to evaluate the effect of three dosage forms of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, NF-κB, platelet aggregation, and platelet calcium content in type 2 diabetic patients. Type 2 diabetic patients were randomized to receive daily (4000 IU/day) or weekly (50 000 IU/week) oral vitamin D3 for 3 months. Another group received a single parenteral dose (300 000 IU) of vitamin D3, whereas the control group received their antidiabetic drug(s) alone. Serum 25(OH)D, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, NF-κB, and platelet aggregation were measured at the beginning and 3 months after vitamin D supplementation. Platelet calcium content was evaluated by measuring the fluorescence intensity of Rhod-2-stained platelets by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Results showed that serum 25(OH)D3 levels significantly increased in all vitamin D3-treated groups. However, the mean level for parenteral treated group was significantly lower than oral-treated groups. Oral and parenteral treatment were also able to decrease NF-κB level, platelet aggregation, and platelet calcium content. However, both oral doses of vitamin D3 were superior to the single parenteral dose. In conclusion, restoring normal levels of vitamin D is an important determinant to maintain normal platelet function and reduce inflammation. Nevertheless, further long-term studies are still needed.

The beneficial effect of sulforaphane on platelet responsiveness during caloric load: a single-intake, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in healthy participants

Background and aims

As our understanding of platelet activation in response to infections and/or inflammatory conditions is growing, it is becoming clearer that safe, yet efficacious, platelet-targeted phytochemicals could improve public health beyond the field of cardiovascular diseases. The phytonutrient sulforaphane shows promise for clinical use due to its effect on inflammatory pathways, favorable pharmacokinetic profile, and high bioavailability. The potential of sulforaphane to improve platelet functionality in impaired metabolic processes has however hardly been studied in humans. This study investigated the effects of broccoli sprout consumption, as a source of sulforaphane, on urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂), a stable thromboxane metabolite used to monitor eicosanoid biosynthesis and response to antithrombotic therapy, in healthy participants exposed to caloric overload.

Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial 12 healthy participants were administered 16g of broccoli sprouts, or pea sprouts (placebo) followed by the standardized high-caloric drink PhenFlex given to challenge healthy homeostasis. Urine samples were collected during the study visits and analyzed for 11-dehydro-TXB₂, sulforaphane and its metabolites. Genotyping was performed using Illumina GSA v3.0 DTCBooster.

Results

Administration of broccoli sprouts before the caloric load reduced urinary 11-dehydro-TXB₂ levels by 50% (p = 0.018). The amount of sulforaphane excreted in the urine during the study visits correlated negatively with 11-dehydro-TXB₂ (r_s = -0.377, p = 0.025). Participants carrying the polymorphic variant NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1*2) showed decreased excretion of sulforaphane (p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Sulforaphane was shown to be effective in targeting platelet responsiveness after a single intake. Our results indicate an inverse causal relationship between sulforaphane and 11-dehydro-TXB₂, which is unaffected by the concomitant intake of the metabolic challenge. 11-Dehydro-TXB₂ shows promise as a non-invasive, sensitive, and suitable biomarker to investigate the effects of phytonutrients on platelet aggregation within hours.

Clinical trial registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT05146804].

JAK2V617F variant allele frequency, non-driver mutations, single-nucleotide variants and polycythemia vera outcome

INTRODUCTION

Despite comparatively favourable prognosis in polycythemia vera (PV) patients (pts), the overall survival is shorter compared to the age-matched general population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of chosen laboratory and genetic factors on the individual disease outcome, i.e. risk of thrombosis, myelofibrosis/blastic transformation and death.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 151 pts and 57 healthy donors (HD).

RESULTS

JAK2V617F mutation was found in 96.7% (146/151) of the studied pts. JAK2 exon 12 mutations were identified in 2 individuals. The coexistence of JAK2V617F and JAK2 exon 12 mutation was confirmed in 2 other pts. In one case, neither JAK2V617F nor JAK2 exon 12 mutation was found. The presence of ten different non-driver mutations (ASXL1, SRSF2, U2AF1, IDH2) in eight of the analyzed pts (5.3%) was confirmed. The overall frequency of thrombotic events (TE) in the studied PV group was 23.8% (36/151). In patients with TE, median platelet count was lower than in pts without TE. Thrombotic risk did not depend on JAK2 rs12343867, TERT rs2736100, OBFC1 rs9420907 SNV, however, we found a novel strong tendency towards statistical significance between the CC genotype miR-146a rs2431697 and thrombosis. The disease progression to fibrotic phase was confirmed in 9% of the pts. Fibrotic transformation in PV pts was affected mainly by JAK2V617F variant allele frequency (VAF) and the presence of coexisting non-driver variants. The high JAK2V617F VAF and elevated white blood cell (WBC) count at the time of diagnosis were associated with an increased risk of death.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, in our opinion, complex, laboratory and genetic PV pts evaluation at the time of diagnosis should be incorporated into a new prognostic scoring system to more precisely define the PV prognosis and to optimize the therapeutic decision-making process.

The potential role of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides on diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy mediated by P2Y12 receptor in rat stellate ganglia

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy has a high prevalence in type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of cardiovascular system disorders. CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN), a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) ligand, has been shown to have cardioprotection and cellular protection. Our previous work showed that P2Y12 in stellate ganglia (SG) is involved in the process of diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (DCAN). Here, we aim to investigate whether CpG-ODN 1826 plays a protective role in DCAN and whether this beneficial protection involves regulation of the P2Y12-mediated cardiac sympathetic injury. Our results revealed that CpG-ODN 1826 activated TLR9 receptor, improved the abnormal blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) activity in diabetic rats and reduced the up-regulated NF-κB, P2Y12 receptor, TNF-α and IL-1β in SG. Meanwhile, CpG-ODN 1826 significantly decreased the elevated ATP, nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), iron, ROS and MDA levels and increased GPX4 and GSH levels. In addition, CpG-ODN 1826 contributes to maintain normalization of mitochondrial structure in SG. Overall, CpG-ODN 1826 alleviates the sympathetic excitation and abnormal neuron-glial signal communication via activating TLR9 receptors to achieve a balance of autonomic activity and relieve the DCAN in rats. The mechanism may involve the regulation of P2Y12 receptor in SG by reducing ATP release and NF-κB expression, which counteract neuroinflammation and ferroptosis mediated by activated P2Y12 in SG.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation phenotype is regulated by the TRPM7 channel during sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is an uncontrolled inflammatory response against a systemic infection that results in elevated mortality, mainly induced by bacterial products known as endotoxins, producing endotoxemia. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is frequently observed in septic patients and is associated with organ failure and death. Sepsis activates endothelial cells (ECs), promoting a prothrombotic phenotype contributing to DIC. Ion channel-mediated calcium permeability participates in coagulation. The transient reception potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) non-selective divalent cation channel that also contains an α-kinase domain, which is permeable to divalent cations including Ca²⁺, regulates endotoxin-stimulated calcium permeability in ECs and is associated with increased mortality in septic patients. However, whether endothelial TRPM7 mediates endotoxemia-induced coagulation is not known. Therefore, our aim was to examine if TRPM7 mediates coagulation during endotoxemia.

RESULTS

The results showed that TRPM7 regulated endotoxin-induced platelet and neutrophil adhesion to ECs, dependent on the TRPM7 ion channel activity and by the α-kinase function. Endotoxic animals showed that TRPM7 mediated neutrophil rolling on blood vessels and intravascular coagulation. TRPM7 mediated the increased expression of the adhesion proteins, von Willebrand factor (vWF), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and P-selectin, which were also mediated by the TRPM7 α-kinase function. Notably, endotoxin-induced expression of vWF, ICAM-1 and P-selectin were required for endotoxin-induced platelet and neutrophil adhesion to ECs. Endotoxemic rats showed increased endothelial TRPM7 expression associated with a procoagulant phenotype, liver and kidney dysfunction, increased death events and an increased relative risk of death. Interestingly, circulating ECs (CECs) from septic shock patients (SSPs) showed increased TRPM7 expression associated with increased DIC scores and decreased survival times. Additionally, SSPs with a high expression of TRPM7 in CECs showed increased mortality and relative risk of death. Notably, CECs from SSPs showed significant results from the AUROC analyses for predicting mortality in SSPs that were better than the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that sepsis-induced DIC is mediated by TRPM7 in ECs. TRPM7 ion channel activity and α-kinase function are required by DIC-mediated sepsis-induced organ dysfunction and its expression are associated with increased mortality during sepsis. TRPM7 appears as a new prognostic biomarker to predict mortality associated to DIC in SSPs, and as a novel target for drug development against DIC during infectious inflammatory diseases.

The Involvement of Canonical NFκB Pathway in Megakaryocyte Differentiation Induction by Nanocurcumin

Background: Megakaryopoiesis is characterized by progressive polyploidization and the expression of megakaryocytic markers. Numerous transcription factors and physiological signaling pathways regulate this phenomenon. Megakaryocyte differentiation induction in the K562 cell line and hematopoietic stem cells via nanocurcumin drug has been identified in our previous study. K562 cells are typical Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) cells that are resistant to apoptosis and express the bcr-abl fusion gene. These cells have the potential to differentiate into erythrocytes and megakaryocytes. Curcumin is well known as a component with strong potential to alter NFκB activity in various cells. NFκB pathway regulates various genes such as apoptotic and immune response genes. The current study attempted to evaluate the possible role of nanocurcumin in NFκB pathway regulation during the megakaryopoiesis process in the K562 cell line. Materials and Methods: Megakaryocyte markers expression and phenotype alteration of nanocurcumin-treated K562 cells have been detected by flow cytometry and microscopy imaging. The nuclear level of the RelA (p65) subunit of NFκB was determined by western blot test in K562 cells during megakaryopoiesis induction via nanocurcumin treatment at different times. The expression of NFκB target genes including c-MYC, BAX, and NQO1 was also analyzed in nanocurcumin-treated K562 cells by quantitative RT-PCR assay at different times. Results: The study has shown that nanocurcumin causes an increase in NFκB activity transiently during megakaryocyte differentiation, followed by a change in the expression of c-MYC, BAX, and NQO1 target genes. Conclusion: The NFκB pathway can be considered a new pathway for inducing megakaryocyte differentiation by nanocurcumin in vitro and in vivo megakaryopoiesis experiments.

The Link Between Heat Shock Proteins, Renin-Angiotensin System, and the Coagulation Cascade in the Pathogenesis of the Coronavirus-19 Disease

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is integral for its successful treatment.

METHODS

Available literature on the relationship between COVID-19, heat shock proteins (HSP), and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system were searched and used to hypothesize how HSP can be targeted in COVID-19.

RESULTS

During SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry, the ACE-2 receptor is downregulated. This leads to the augmentation of angiotensin-2/AT1 receptor axis along with attenuation of the ACE-2/angiotensin_1-7/Mas axis. Heat shock proteins are key stabilizing molecules in various pathways.In the heart and vessels, HSP-90 and HSP-60 can facilitate angiotensin-2-mediated myocardial injury and endothelial cell activation. HSP-60-TLR4/CD14 complex formation stabilizes IκB-kinase (IKK) potentiating NF-κB activation. HSPs in lungs and kidneys have antioxidant, vasodilatory, and anti-inflammatory actions and may be protective against the effects of RAAS. Stress-induced HSP-70 has a role in complement-mediated microvascular injury such as has been demonstrated in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 can induce autophagy via Beclin-1 and ER (endoplasmic reticular) stress via BIP. These two can be potential targets in the HSP environment.

CONCLUSION

Various HSP molecules can modulate the effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system and thus may have a potential role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Discovery of four plasmatic biomarkers potentially predicting cardiovascular outcome in peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients have an increased cardiovascular risk despite pharmacological treatment strategies. Biomarker research improving risk stratification only focused on known atherothrombotic pathways, but unexplored pathways might play more important roles. To explore the association between a broad cardiovascular biomarker set and cardiovascular risk in PAD. 120 PAD outpatients were enrolled in this observational cohort study. Patients were followed for one year in which the composite endpoint (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, acute limb ischemia and mortality) was assessed. Patient data and blood samples were collected upon inclusion, and citrated platelet-poor plasma was used to analyze 184 biomarkers in Olink Cardiovascular panel II and III using a proximity extension assay. Fifteen patients reached the composite endpoint. These patients had more prior strokes and higher serum creatinine levels. Multivariate analysis revealed increased plasma levels of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), galectin-9 (Gal-9), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11A (TNFRSF11A) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) to be most predictive for cardiovascular events and mortality. Positive regulation of acute inflammatory responses and leukocyte chemotaxis were identified as involved biological processes. This study identified IL-6, PAR1, Gal-9, TNFRSF11A as potent predictors for cardiovascular events and mortality in PAD, and potential drug development targets.

Dysregulated miRNAs network in the critical COVID-19: An important clue for uncontrolled immunothrombosis/thromboinflammation

Known as a pivotal immunohemostatic response, immunothrombosis is activated to restrict the diffusion of pathogens. This beneficial intravascular defensive mechanism represents the close interaction between the immune and coagulation systems. However, its uncontrolled form can be life-threatening to patients with the critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hyperinflammation and ensuing cytokine storm underlie the activation of the coagulation system, something which results in the provocation of more immune-inflammatory responses by the thrombotic mediators. This vicious cycle causes grave clinical complications and higher risks of mortality. Classified as an evolutionarily conserved family of the small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as the fine-tuners of genes expression and play a key role in balancing the pro/anticoagulant and pro-/anti-inflammatory factors maintaining homeostasis. Therefore, any deviation from their optimal expression levels or efficient functions can lead to severe complications. Despite their extensive effects on the molecules and processes involved in uncontrolled immunothrombosis, some genetic agents and uncontrolled immunothrombosis-induced interfering factors (e.g., miRNA-single nucleotide polymorphysms (miR-SNPs), the complement system components, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)) have apparently disrupted their expressions/functions. This review study aims to give an overview of the role of miRNAs in the context of uncontrolled immunothrombosis/thromboinflammation accompanied by some presumptive interfering factors affecting their expressions/functions in the critical COVID-19. Detecting, monitoring, and resolving these interfering agents mafy facilitate the design and development of the novel miRNAs-based therapeutic approaches to the reduction of complications incidence and mortality in patients with the critical COVID-19.

Hypoxia: molecular pathophysiological mechanisms in human diseases

Hypoxia, a low O2 tension, is a fundamental feature that occurs in physiological events as well as pathophysiological conditions, especially mentioned for its role in the mechanism of angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, and cell proliferation/survival. The hypoxic state through the activation of specific mechanisms is an aggravating circumstance commonly noticed in multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, and in inflammatory bowel disease. On the other hand, hypoxia could play a key role in tissue regeneration and repair of damaged tissues, especially by acting on specific tissue stem cells, but their features may result as a disadvantage when it is concerned for neoplastic stem cells. Furthermore, hypoxia could also have a potential role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its capacity to improve the performance of biomaterials. The current review aims to highlight the hypoxic molecular mechanisms reported in different pathological conditions to provide an overview of hypoxia as a therapeutic agent in regenerative and molecular therapy.

Graphical abstract

Inhibition of HIF prolyl hydroxylase modulates platelet function

Hypoxia-inducible factors-1α (HIF-1α) involves in redox reaction. Considering the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in platelet function, whether it regulates platelet function remains unclear. Using an inhibitor of HIF prolyl hydroxylase IOX-2, we intend to investigate its effect on platelet function. Human platelets were treated with IOX-2 (0, 10, 25, and 50 M) followed by analysis of platelet aggregation, granule secretion, receptor expression, platelet spreading or clot retraction. Additionally, IOX-2 (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally into mice to measure tail bleeding time and arterial thrombosis. IOX-2 significantly inhibited collagen-related peptide (CRP, 0.25 μg/ml) or thrombin (0.03 U/ml)-induced platelet aggregation and ATP release dose dependently without affecting P-selectin expression and the surface levels of glycoprotein (GP)Ib, GPVI or IIb3. In addition, IOX-2-treated platelets presented significantly decreased spreading on fibrinogen or collagen and clot retraction. Moreover, IOX-2 administration into mice significantly impaired the in vivo hemostatic function of platelets and arterial thrombus formation without affecting the number of circulating platelets and coagulation factor (FVIII and FIX). Further, IOX-2 significantly upregulated HIF-1 in platelets, decreased ROS generation and downregulated NOX1 expression. Finally, IOX-2 increased the phosphorylation level of VASP (Ser157/239), and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 (Thr180/Tyr182), ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204), AKT (Thr308/Ser473) and PKC (Thr505) in CRP- or thrombin-stimulated platelets. In conclusion, inhibition of HIF prolyl hydroxylase modulates platelet function and arterial thrombus formation, possibly through upregulation of HIF-1α expression and subsequent inhibition of ROS generation, indicating that HIF-1α might be a novel target for the treatment of thrombotic disorders.

Platelet SHARPIN regulates platelet adhesion and inflammatory responses through associations with αIIbβ3 and LUBAC

Platelets form hemostatic plugs to prevent blood loss, and they modulate immunity and inflammation in several ways. A key event during hemostasis is activation of integrin αIIbβ3 through direct interactions of the β3 cytoplasmic tail with talin and kindlin-3. Recently, we showed that human platelets express the adapter molecule Shank-associated RH domain interacting protein (SHARPIN), which can associate directly with the αIIb cytoplasmic tail and separately promote NF-κB pathway activation as a member of the Met-1 linear ubiquitination activation complex (LUBAC). Here we investigated the role of SHARPIN in platelets after crossing Sharpin flox/flox (fl/fl) mice with PF4-Cre or GPIbα-Cre mice to selectively delete SHARPIN in platelets. SHARPIN-null platelets adhered to immobilized fibrinogen through αIIbβ3, and they spread more extensively than littermate control platelets in a manner dependent on feedback stimulation by platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (P < .01). SHARPIN-null platelets showed increased colocalization of αIIbβ3 with talin as assessed by super-resolution microscopy and increased binding of soluble fibrinogen in response to submaximal concentrations of ADP (P < .05). However, mice with SHARPIN-null platelets showed compromised thrombus growth on collagen and slightly prolonged tail bleeding times. Platelets lacking SHARPIN also showed reduced NF-κB activation and linear ubiquitination of protein substrates upon challenge with classic platelet agonists. Furthermore, the loss of platelet SHARPIN resulted in significant reduction in inflammation in murine models of colitis and peritonitis (P < .01). Thus, SHARPIN plays differential and context-dependent roles in platelets to regulate important inflammatory and integrin adhesive functions of these anucleate cells.

CRACking the Molecular Regulatory Mechanism of SOCE during Platelet Activation in Thrombo-Occlusive Diseases

Thrombo-occlusive diseases such as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and deep vein thrombosis with subsequent pulmonary embolism still represent a major health burden worldwide. Besides the cells of the vasculature or other hematopoietic cells, platelets are primarily responsible for the development and progression of an occluding thrombus. The activation and function of platelets crucially depend on free cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) as second messenger, which modulates platelet secretion, aggregation and thrombus formation. Ca2+ is elevated upon platelet activation by release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores thus triggering of the subsequent store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), which is facilitated by Ca2+ release-activated channels (CRACs). In general, CRACs are assembled by the pore-forming unit Orai in the plasma membrane and the Ca2+-sensing stromal interaction molecule (STIM) in the endoplasmic reticulum after the depletion of internal Ca2+ stores. In the last few years, there is a growing body of the literature demonstrating the importance of STIM and Orai-mediated mechanism in thrombo-occlusive disorders. Thus, this review provides an overview of the recent understanding of STIM and Orai signaling in platelet function and its implication in the development and progression of ischemic thrombo-occlusive disorders. Moreover, potential pharmacological implications of STIM and Orai signaling in platelets are anticipated and discussed in the end.

Inhibition of post-surgery tumour recurrence via a sprayable chemo-immunotherapy gel releasing PD-L1 antibody and platelet-derived small EVs

Background

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and surgery is an effective method to treat melanoma. Unfortunately, local residual micro-infiltrated tumour cells and systemic circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are significant causes of treatment failure, leading to tumour recurrence and metastasis.

Methods

Small EVs were isolated from platelets by differential centrifugation, and doxorubicin-loaded small EVs (PexD) was prepared by mixing small EVs with doxorubicin (DOX). PexD and an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (aPD-L1) were co-encapsulated in fibrin gel. The synergistic antitumour efficacy of the gel containing PexD and aPD-L1 was assessed both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Herein, we developed an in situ-formed bioresponsive gel combined with chemoimmunotherapeutic agents as a drug reservoir that could effectively inhibit both local tumour recurrence and tumour metastasis. In comparison with a DOX solution, PexD could better bind to tumour cells, induce more tumour immunogenic cell death (ICD) and promote a stronger antitumour immune response. PexD could enter the blood circulation through damaged blood vessels to track and eliminate CTCs. The concurrent release of aPD-L1 at the tumour site could impair the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and restore the tumour-killing effect of cytotoxic T cells. This chemoimmunotherapeutic strategy triggered relatively strong T cell immune responses, significantly improving the tumour immune microenvironment.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that the immunotherapeutic fibrin gel could “awaken” the host innate immune system to inhibit both local tumour recurrence post-surgery and metastatic potential, thus, it could serve as a promising approach to prevent tumour recurrence.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01270-7.

Decreased Human Platelet Activation and Mouse Pulmonary Thrombosis by Rutaecarpine and Comparison of the Relative Effectiveness with BAY11-7082: Crucial Signals of p38-NF-κB

Platelets play a critical role in arterial thrombosis. Rutaecarpine (RUT) was purified from Tetradium ruticarpum, a well-known Chinese medicine. This study examined the relative activity of RUT with NF-κB inhibitors in human platelets. BAY11-7082 (an inhibitor of IκB kinase [IKK]), Ro106-9920 (an inhibitor of proteasomes), and RUT concentration-dependently (1-6 μM) inhibited platelet aggregation and P-selectin expression. RUT was found to have a similar effect to that of BAY11-7082; however, it exhibits more effectiveness than Ro106-9920. RUT suppresses the NF-κB pathway as it inhibits IKK, IκBα, and p65 phosphorylation and reverses IκBα degradation in activated platelets. This study also investigated the role of p38 and NF-κB in cell signaling events and found that SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38) markedly reduced p38, IKK, and p65 phosphorylation and reversed IκBα degradation as well as p65 activation in a confocal microscope, whereas BAY11-7082 had no effects in p38 phosphorylation. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay shows that RUT and BAY11-7082 did not exhibit free radical scavenging activity. In the in vivo study, compared with BAY11-7082, RUT more effectively reduced mortality in adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism without affecting the bleeding time. In conclusion, a distinctive pathway of p38-mediated NF-κB activation may involve RUT-mediated antiplatelet activation, and RUT could act as a strong prophylactic or therapeutic drug for cardiovascular diseases.

Cell Therapy: Types, Regulation, and Clinical Benefits

Cell therapy practices date back to the 19th century and continue to expand on investigational and investment grounds. Cell therapy includes stem cell- and non-stem cell-based, unicellular and multicellular therapies, with different immunophenotypic profiles, isolation techniques, mechanisms of action, and regulatory levels. Following the steps of their predecessor cell therapies that have become established or commercialized, investigational and premarket approval-exempt cell therapies continue to provide patients with promising therapeutic benefits in different disease areas. In this review article, we delineate the vast types of cell therapy, including stem cell-based and non-stem cell-based cell therapies, and create the first-in-literature compilation of the different "multicellular" therapies used in clinical settings. Besides providing the nuts and bolts of FDA policies regulating their use, we discuss the benefits of cell therapies reported in 3 therapeutic areas-regenerative medicine, immune diseases, and cancer. Finally, we contemplate the recent attention shift toward combined therapy approaches, highlighting the factors that render multicellular therapies a more attractive option than their unicellular counterparts.

Platelet Mediated Inflammation in Coronary Artery Disease with Type 2 Diabetes Patients

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a well-established risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Platelet hyperactivity and inflammation are associated with the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in T2DM patients. We investigated the status of immune cells, platelet activation, and platelet-immune cell interactions in T2DM_CAD patients.

METHODOLOGY

The study population consisted of four groups of subjects, healthy control (CT, n = 20), T2DM (n = 44), CAD (n = 20) and T2DM_CAD (n = 38). Platelet activation, immunome profiling and platelet-immune cell interactions were analysed by flow cytometry. The circulatory levels of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were assessed using multiplex assay.

RESULTS

Increased platelet activation and increased platelet-immune cell aggregate formation were observed in T2DM and T2DM_CAD groups compared to the control and CAD groups (p < 0.05). Our immunome profile analysis revealed, altered monocyte subpopulations and dendritic cell populations in T2DM, CAD and T2DM_CAD groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significantly increased IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL12p70, IL-13 IL-18, CCL2, and decreased CXCL1, CCL5 levels were observed in T2DM_CAD group compared to the control group. Our ex-vivo study increased platelet-monocyte aggregate formation was observed upon D-glucose exposure in a time and concentration dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests that T2DM, CAD and T2DM_CAD are associated with altered immune cell populations. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that hyperglycemia induces platelet activation and forms platelet-immune cell aggregation which may lead to the release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and contribute to the complexity of CAD and type 2 diabetes.

Coagulopathies after Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 May Be Derived from a Combined Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Adenovirus Vector-Triggered Signaling Pathways

Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a global pandemic with worldwide 6-digit infection rates and thousands of death tolls daily. Enormous efforts are undertaken to achieve high coverage of immunization to reach herd immunity in order to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on mRNA, viral vectors, or inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus have been approved and are being applied worldwide. However, the recent increased numbers of normally very rare types of thromboses associated with thrombocytopenia have been reported, particularly in the context of the adenoviral vector vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 from Astra Zeneca. The statistical prevalence of these side effects seems to correlate with this particular vaccine type, i.e., adenoviral vector-based vaccines, but the exact molecular mechanisms are still not clear. The present review summarizes current data and hypotheses for molecular and cellular mechanisms into one integrated hypothesis indicating that coagulopathies, including thromboses, thrombocytopenia, and other related side effects, are correlated to an interplay of the two components in the vaccine, i.e., the spike antigen and the adenoviral vector, with the innate and immune systems, which under certain circumstances can imitate the picture of a limited COVID-19 pathological picture.

Transcriptomic Profiling of Femoral Veins in Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Porcine Model

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a severe disease affecting the human venous system, accompanied by high morbidity and mortality rates caused by early and late complications. The study aimed at analyzing the changes in the transcriptome of the femoral vein caused by DVT in the porcine model based on the formation of the thrombus in vivo. The study was performed on 11 castrated male pigs: A thrombus was formed in each left femoral vein in six animals; the remaining five served as a control group. Total RNA was isolated from the left femoral veins of the experimental and control animals. High-throughput RNA sequencing was used to analyze the global changes in the transcriptome of veins with induced DVT. Applied multistep bioinformatics revealed 1474 differentially expressed genes (DEGs): 1019 upregulated and 455 downregulated. Functional Gene Ontology annotated 1220 of DEGs into 225 biological processes, 30 molecular functions and 40 cellular components categories. KEGG analysis disclosed TNF, NF-κB and apoptosis pathways’ overexpression in DVT samples. A thorough analysis of the detected DEGs indicated that a dysregulated inflammatory response and disturbed balance between clotting and anti-clotting factors play a crucial role in the process of DVT.

Ameliorative role of Ulva extract against heavy metal mixture-induced cardiovascular through oxidative/antioxidant pathways and inflammatory biomarkers

The current study investigates the therapeutic and curative effect of Ulva lactuca polyphenolic extract (ULPE) in general and particularly polyphenolics compounds against heavy metal mixture (HME). The toxicity behind heavy metal is due to oxidative stress resulted from heavy metals pollution or administration through contaminated food (vegetables, water, and fish). Heavy metal toxicity plays a major role in different cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study is aimed to examine the protective effect of ULPE against heavy metal mixture induced cardiovascular diseases through oxidative/antioxidant and inflammatory pathways. Sixty male rats (Sprague-Dawley) were assigned to six groups. Group I served as the control, group II served as the induced group receiving subcutaneously for 7 days 0.25 mg/100 gm body weight/day heavy metal mixtures (Equal concentration of Ni, Cd, Co and Hg chloride, and Pb acetate), group III received (i.p.) ULPE of dose 30 mg for 15 days, group IV served as the protected group pretreated with ULPE for 15 days as a protection dose, and then treated with the heavy metal-mixture, group V served as protected standard group pretreated with vitamin C (VitC ) (50 mg/Kg) and then treated with the heavy metal-mixture, and group VI served as standard group treated with VitC (50 mg/Kg). The main pathological changes within the heart revealed heart inflammation after heavy-metal mixtures administrations. On contrast to the protected group treated with ULPE (group IV), the protection group (group II) showed a significant increase in the antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory biomarker. The cardiovascular biomarkers (Troponin T, CRP, and BNP) showed similar attitude elevations in induction group and decreased greatly in protection and VitC group. The antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory activities of ULPE are a consequence of their higher polyphenolic contents as well as marine secondary metabolites which are confirmed using qualitative and quantitative analysis. From the current result, we concluded that ULPE possesses a cardiovascular protective agent as a result of highly contents of different bioactive secondary metabolites which have antioxidant as well as free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activates. Showed the mechanism of ULPE as cardioprotective against heavy metal mixture.

The Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB) signaling in cancer development and immune diseases

The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) family of transcription factors plays an essential role as stressors in the cellular environment, and controls the expression of important regulatory genes such as immunity, inflammation, death, and cell proliferation. NF-kB protein is located in the cytoplasm, and can be activated by various cellular stimuli. There are two pathways for NF-kB activation, as the canonical and non-canonical pathways, which require complex molecular interactions with adapter proteins and phosphorylation and ubiquitinase enzymes. Accordingly, this increases NF-kB translocation in the nucleus and regulates gene expression. In this study, the concepts that emerge in different cellular systems allow the design of NF-kB function in humans. This would not only allow the development for rare diseases associated with NF-kB, but would also be used as a source of useful information to eliminate widespread consequences such as cancer or inflammatory/immune diseases.

The Role of the Proteasome in Platelet Function

Platelets are megakaryocyte-derived acellular fragments prepped to maintain primary hemostasis and thrombosis by preserving vascular integrity. Although they lack nuclei, platelets harbor functional genomic mediators that bolster platelet activity in a signal-specific manner by performing limited de novo protein synthesis. Furthermore, despite their limited protein synthesis, platelets are equipped with multiple protein degradation mechanisms, such as the proteasome. In nucleated cells, the functions of the proteasome are well established and primarily include proteostasis among a myriad of other signaling processes. However, the role of proteasome-mediated protein degradation in platelets remains elusive. In this review article, we recapitulate the developing literature on the functions of the proteasome in platelets, discussing its emerging regulatory role in platelet viability and function and highlighting how its functional coupling with the transcription factor NF-κB constitutes a novel potential therapeutic target in atherothrombotic diseases.

Line Associated Thrombosis in Pediatric Patients With NF-κB Pathway Variants

Our report explores the complex role that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) plays in thrombosis formation, inflammation, and immunity; while additionally demonstrating that patients with NF-κB pathway pathogenic variants appear to carry a substantial thrombotic risk, particularly when secondary thrombotic risk factors are present. We propose that prophylactic anticoagulation should be strongly considered in such patients during high-risk situations and provide additional hematologic management strategies for those with NF-κB pathway alterations. We hope our work also calls to attention the potential need for a broader assessment of venous thromboembolism risk in patients with immune dysregulation to better delineate which patient populations may benefit from anticoagulation prophylaxis.

Allium macrostemon Saponin Inhibits Activation of Platelet via the CD40 Signaling Pathway

Allium macrostemon saponin is a traditional Chinese medicine that exhibits anti-atherosclerosis effects. However, the mechanism of its action has not been fully clarified. Platelet activation induced by CD40L plays an important role in the process of atherosis. In the present study, we demonstrate for the first time that A. macrostemon saponin inhibits platelet activation induced by CD40L. Moreover, the effects of saponin on platelet activation were achieved by activation of the classical CD40L-associated pathway, including the PI3K/Akt, MAPK and NF-κB proteins. In addition, the present study further demonstrated that saponin exhibited an effect on the TRAF2-mediated ubiquitination degradation, which contributed to the inhibition of the CD40 pathway and its downstream members. The findings determine that A. macrostemon saponin inhibits activation of platelets via activation of downstream proteins of the CD40 pathway. This in turn affected TRAF2-associated ubiquitination degradation and caused an anti-thrombotic effect.

Adipokines and Inflammation: Focus on Cardiovascular Diseases

It is well established that adipose tissue, apart from its energy storage function, acts as an endocrine organ that produces and secretes a number of bioactive substances, including hormones commonly known as adipokines. Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, mainly due to a low grade of inflammation and the excessive fat accumulation produced in this state. The adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity leads to an aberrant release of adipokines, some of them with direct cardiovascular and inflammatory regulatory functions. Inflammation is a common link between obesity and cardiovascular diseases, so this review will summarise the role of the main adipokines implicated in the regulation of the inflammatory processes occurring under the scenario of cardiovascular diseases.

Guanxinshutong Alleviates Atherosclerosis by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Proinflammation in ApoE-/- Mice

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic progressive disease related to dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Guanxinshutong capsule (GXST), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in treating coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, while its mechanism actions on AS are still not to be well addressed. Our present study is aimed to examine the effect of GXST on AS and elucidate the multitarget mechanisms of GXST on AS. Network pharmacology analysis was employed to screen the multitarget mechanisms of GXST on AS. ApoE^−/− mice were used to validate these effects. Circulating lipid profile and oxidative stress-related factors were measured by the Elisa kit. Furthermore, the aortic trunk and aortic root were excised for oil red O staining, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. We first discovered that GXST was clued to exert synergistically antiatherosclerosis properties including lipid-lowering, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation through the computational prediction based on a network pharmacology simulation. Next, the validation experiments in atherosclerosis mice provided evidence that GXST significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions, increased collagen deposition, and attenuated LV remodeling to some extent. Mechanistically, GXST modulated lipid profile, downregulated the level of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κBp65. GXST also reduced the activity of oxidative parameter MDA and upregulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH) compared with the AS model group. In conclusion, GXST intervention might attenuate atherosclerosis by mechanisms involving reducing lipid deposition, modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, but a larger controlled trial is necessary for confirmation.

Regulation of Human Platelet Activation and Prevention of Arterial Thrombosis in Mice by Auraptene through Inhibition of NF-κB Pathway

Platelets are major players in the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Auraptene is the most abundant coumarin derivative from plants, and it has been demonstrated to possess a potent capacity to inhibit platelet activation. Although platelets are anucleated cells, they also express the transcription factor, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), that may exert non-genomic functions in platelet activation. In the current study, we further investigated the inhibitory roles of auraptene in NF-κB-mediated signal events in platelets. MG-132 (an inhibitor of proteasome) and BAY11-7082 (an inhibitor of IκB kinase; IKK), obviously inhibited platelet aggregation; however, BAY11-7082 exhibited more potent activity than MG-132 in this reaction. The existence of NF-κB (p65) in platelets was observed by confocal microscopy, and auraptene attenuated NF-κB activation such as IκBα and p65 phosphorylation and reversed IκBα degradation in collagen-activated platelets. To investigate cellular signaling events between PLCγ2-PKC and NF-κB, we found that BAY11-7082 abolished PLCγ2-PKC activation; nevertheless, neither U73122 nor Ro31-8220 had effect on NF-κB activation. Furthermore, both auraptene and BAY11-7082 significantly diminished HO• formation in activated platelets. For in vivo study, auraptene prolonged the occlusion time of platelet plug in mice. In conclusion, we propose a novel inhibitory pathway of NF-κB-mediated PLCγ2-PKC activation by auraptene in human platelets, and further supported that auraptene possesses potent activity for thromboembolic diseases.

Molecular Choreography of Acute Exercise

Acute physical activity leads to several changes in metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune pathways. Although studies have examined selected changes in these pathways, the system-wide molecular response to an acute bout of exercise has not been fully characterized. We performed longitudinal multi-omic profiling of plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells including metabolome, lipidome, immunome, proteome, and transcriptome from 36 well-characterized volunteers, before and after a controlled bout of symptom-limited exercise. Time-series analysis revealed thousands of molecular changes and an orchestrated choreography of biological processes involving energy metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, tissue repair, and growth factor response, as well as regulatory pathways. Most of these processes were dampened and some were reversed in insulin-resistant participants. Finally, we discovered biological pathways involved in cardiopulmonary exercise response and developed prediction models revealing potential resting blood-based biomarkers of peak oxygen consumption.

Antiplatelet activity of astaxanthin in control- and high cholesterol-fed rats mediated by down-regulation of P2Y12, inhibition of NF-κB, and increasing intracellular levels of cAMP

This study evaluated the antiplatelet effect of the plant carotenoid, astaxanthin (ASTX) in rats fed either control or high cholesterol plus cholic acid diet (HCCD) and possible underlying mechanisms. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8/each), namely, control (fed normal diet), control + ASTX (10 mg/kg/day), HCCD-fed rats, and HCCD + ASTX-treated rats. Diets and treatments were orally administered daily for 30 days. In both control and HCCD-fed rats, ASTX significantly increased fecal levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, reduced platelet count, prolonged bleeding time, and inhibited platelet aggregation. It also reduced platelet levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Bcl-2; thromboxane B2 (TXB2) release; and the expression of P2Y₁₂, P-selectin, and CD36 receptors. Moreover, the activity NF-κB p65 and Akt was inhibited. Concomitantly, it increased the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3 and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (p-VASP) as well as intracellular levels of cAMP. However, in HCCD-fed rats, the effects of ASTX were associated with reduced serum levels of ox-LDL-c and fasting plasma glucose levels. In conclusion, antiplatelet effects of ASTX involve ROS scavenging, inhibiting NF-κB activity, down-regulating P2Y₁₂ expression, and increasing intracellular levels of cAMP that are attributed to its antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effects.