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Shi Y, Bao L, Li Y, Ou D, Li J, Liu X, Deng N, Deng C, Huang X, Zhang W, Ding H. Multi-omics combined to investigate potential druggable therapeutic targets for stroke: A systematic Mendelian randomization study and transcriptome verification. J Affect Disord 2024; 366:196-209. [PMID: 39214372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stroke is a highly prevalent and disabling disease whose disease mechanisms are not fully understood. The discovery of disease-associated proteins with genetic evidence of pathogenicity provides an opportunity to identify new therapeutic targets. METHOD We examined the observed and causal associations of thousands of plasma and inflammatory proteins that were measured using affinity-based proteomic assays. First, we pooled >3000 relevant proteins using a fixed-effects meta-analysis of 2 population-based studies involving 48,383 participants, then investigated the causal effects of stroke and its subtype-associated proteins by forward Mendelian randomization using cis-protein quantitative locus genetic tools identified from genome-wide association studies of these >48,000 individuals. To improve the accuracy of causal estimation, we implemented a systematic Mendelian randomization model that accounts for cascading imbalances between instruments and tested the robustness of causal estimation through multi-method analyses. To further validate the hypothesis that ginsenoside Rg1 monomer acts on the five protein targets screened for drug-targeted regulation, we conducted a comparative analysis of the mRNA (gene) expression levels of a limited number of genes in the brain tissues of different groups of SD rats. The druggability of the candidate proteins was investigated and the mechanism of action and potential targeting side effects were explored by Phenome-wide MR. RESULTS Six circulating proteins were identified to have a significant genetic association with stroke (PFDR < 0.05). For example, in patients with cardioembolic stroke, higher genetically predicted APRT was associated with a lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (ORivw [95 % CI] = 0.641 [0.517, 0.795]; P = 5.25 × 10-5, ORSMR [95 % CI] = 0.572, [0.397, 0.825], PSMR = 0.003). Mediation analyses suggested that atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris, and heart failure may mediate the association of CD40L, LIFR, and UPA with stroke. Molecular docking revealed promising interactions between the identified proteins and glycosides. Transcriptomic sequencing in animal models indicated that ginsenoside Rg1 may act through APRT, IL15RA, and VSIR pathways, with APRT showing significant variability in mRNA sequencing expression. Phenome-wide MR of the six target proteins showed an overwhelming predominance of PFDR > 0.05, indicating less toxicity. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides genetic evidence to support the potential efficacy of targeting the three druggable protein targets for the treatment of stroke. This is achieved by triangulating population genomic and proteomic data. Furthermore, the study validates the pathway mechanisms by which APRT, IL15RA, and VSIR dock ginsenoside Rg1 in animal models. This will help to prioritize stroke drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Shi
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Le Bao
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Dian Ou
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Jiating Li
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Nujiao Deng
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Changqing Deng
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoping Huang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China.
| | - Huang Ding
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, Changsha, China.
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Tian S, Wang Y, Wan J, Yang M, Fu Z. Co-stimulators CD40-CD40L, a potential immune-therapy target for atherosclerosis: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37718. [PMID: 38579073 PMCID: PMC10994492 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD40L) a crucial co-stimulatory signal for activating adaptive immune cells, has a noteworthy role in atherosclerosis. It is well-known that atherosclerosis is linked to immune inflammation in blood vessels. In atherosclerotic lesions, there is a multitude of proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and collagen, as well as smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes, particularly the binding of CD40 and CD40L. Therefore, research on inhibiting the CD40-CD40L system to prevent atherosclerosis has been ongoing for more than 30 years. However, it's essential to note that long-term direct suppression of CD40 or CD40L could potentially result in immunosuppression, emphasizing the critical role of the CD40-CD40L system in atherosclerosis. Thus, specifically targeting the CD40-CD40L interaction on particular cell types or their downstream signaling pathways may be a robust strategy for mitigating atherosclerosis, reducing potential side effects. This review aims to summarize the potential utility of the CD40-CD40L system as a viable therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeng Tian
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Nursing Teaching and Research Office, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jie Wan
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mao Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhenkun Fu
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, China
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Gerasimova EV, Popkova TV, Shalygina MV, Kirillova IG, Gerasimova DA, Glukhova SI, Nasonov EL. [Subclinical atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with low cardiovascular risk]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2023; 95:375-379. [PMID: 38158988 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2023.05.202203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the detection rate of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with low cardiovascular risk (CVR). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 182 RA patients with low CVR (mSCORE<1%) and no established cardiovascular diseases and a control group comprising 100 people. Atherosclerotic lesion of the carotid arteries was assessed using Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries and was determined by the detection of atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) - the local increase in the thickness of the intima-media complex (IMT) >1.5 mm. RESULTS Carotid ASP were observed more frequently in RA patients with low CVR than in the control group (17% versus 8%; p=0.02). The frequency of ASP in RA patients with low CVR did not depend on the disease's stage or activity and ongoing therapy. In RA, the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis was associated with traditional risk factors: carotid ASP were detected 4 times more often in men than in women (48% versus 12%, p<0.01); carotid IMT correlated with age (R=0.46), body mass index (R=0.17), LDL-C level (R=0.20), systolic blood pressure (R=0.17); p<0.05 in all cases. According to a multivariate model, in RA, the risk of developing ASP increased in the presence of dyslipidemia (odds ratio - OR 2.97; 95% confidence interval - CI 1.36-6.49; p=0.006) and arterial hypertension (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.03-4.54; p=0.04). In RA patients with carotid ASP, sCD40L level was associated with carotid IMT (R=0.32; p=0.04) and cholesterol concentration (R=0.39; p=0.01). CONCLUSION Subclinical atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid arteries were observed in 24% of RA patients with low cardiovascular risk and were detected almost 2 times more often than in the control group. In RA patients with low CVR, the risk of developing carotid ASP increased by 2-3 times with concomitant hypertension and dyslipidemia. The carotid IMT was associated with traditional risk factors - age, gender, lipid levels and blood pressure indicators, in cases of detection of ASP - with an immunoinflammatory marker - sCD40L.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - D A Gerasimova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | | | - E L Nasonov
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
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Gerasimova EV, Popkova TV, Gerasimova DA, Markina YV, Kirichenko TV. Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis at Low Cardiovascular Risk. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030974. [PMID: 36979953 PMCID: PMC10046543 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the rate of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and clinical significance of immunoinflammatory markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at low cardiovascular risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 275 RA patients and a control group of 100 participants without autoimmune diseases. All study participants were at low cardiovascular risk, calculated by the QRISK3 scale (<20%), and free of cardiovascular disease. Ultrasound examination of carotid arteries was performed to measure cIMT and to detect atherosclerotic plaques (ASP) in carotid arteries. sIСАМ-1, sVСАМ, and sCD40L levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS Carotid ASP was observed more frequently in RA patients (27%) than in the control group (17%), p = 0.03. The frequency of ASP in RA patients did not depend on the disease's stage or activity. There was a significant correlation between cIMT and age, cardiovascular risk determined by QRISK3, level of total cholesterol, LDL, and blood pressure in RA patients, p < 0.05 in all cases. No correlation between cIMT and blood levels of sCD40L, sVCAM, and sICAM was found. In RA patients, a higher concentration of sVCAM was detected in the carotid ASP group compared to the non-atherosclerotic group. sCD40L was associated with cIMT and total cholesterol in the ASP group and with total cholesterol and blood pressure in non-atherosclerotic patients. CONCLUSIONS Subclinical atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid arteries were observed significantly more frequently in RA patients with low cardiovascular risk than in the control group. The results of the study demonstrate the association between cIMT, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and immunoinflammatory markers in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatiana V Popkova
- V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria A Gerasimova
- Department of Organization and Economy of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya V Markina
- Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Kirichenko
- Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Chazov National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, 121552 Moscow, Russia
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Vieceli Dalla Sega F, Cimaglia P, Manfrini M, Fortini F, Marracino L, Bernucci D, Pompei G, Scala A, Trichilo M, De Carolis B, Dalla Paola L, Ferrari R, Rizzo P, Campo G. Circulating Biomarkers of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Diabetic Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810641. [PMID: 36142551 PMCID: PMC9506462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a severe manifestation of peripheral artery disease characterized by ischemic pain, which is frequently associated with diabetes and non-healing lesions to inferior limbs. The clinical management of diabetic patients with CLI typically includes percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) to restore limb circulation and surgical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). However, even after successful treatment, CLI patients are prone to post-procedure complications, which may lead to unplanned revascularization or foot surgery. Unfortunately, the factors predicting adverse events in treated CLI patients are only partially known. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers that predict the disease course in diabetic patients with CLI. For this purpose, we measured the circulating levels of a panel of 23 molecules related to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, and thrombophilia in 92 patients with CLI and DFU requiring PTA and foot surgery. We investigated whether these putative biomarkers were associated with the following clinical endpoints: (1) healing of the treated DFUs; (2) need for new revascularization of the limb; (3) appearance of new lesions or relapses after successful healing. We found that sICAM-1 and endothelin-1 are inversely associated with DFU healing and that PAI-1 and endothelin-1 are associated with the need for new revascularization. Moreover, we found that the levels of thrombomodulin and sCD40L are associated with new lesions or recurrence, and we show that the levels of these biomarkers could be used in a decision tree to assign patients to clusters with different risks of developing new lesions or recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Cimaglia
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Marco Manfrini
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Francesca Fortini
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Luisa Marracino
- Department of Translational Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Graziella Pompei
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Scala
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Trichilo
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Beatrice De Carolis
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Dalla Paola
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Roberto Ferrari
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
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