LncRNA-mediated Modulation of Endothelial Cells: Novel Progress in the Pathogenesis of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease

Coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) is a common cardiovascular disease and an important cause of death. Moreover, endothelial cells (ECs) injury is an early pathophysiological feature of CAD, and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can modulate gene expression. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of CAD, especially by regulating ECs. In this review, we summarize the novel progress of lncRNA-modulated ECs in the pathogenesis of CAD, including ECs proliferation, migration, adhesion, angiogenesis, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. Thus, as lncRNAs regulate ECs in CAD, lncRNAs will provide ideal and novel targets for the diagnosis and drug therapy of CAD.

Development of hydrogen sulfide donors for anti-atherosclerosis therapeutics research: Challenges and future priorities

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gas transmitter found in eukaryotic organisms, plays an essential role in several physiological processes. H₂S is one of the three primary biological gas transmission signaling mediators, along with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Several animal and in vitro experiments have indicated that H₂S can prevent coronary endothelial mesenchymal transition, reduce the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules, and stabilize intravascular plaques, suggesting its potential role in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS). H₂S donors are compounds that can release H₂S under certain circumstances. Development of highly targeted H₂S donors is a key imperative as these can allow for in-depth evaluation of the anti-atherosclerotic effects of exogenous H₂S. More importantly, identification of an optimal H₂S donor is critical for the creation of H₂S anti-atherosclerotic prodrugs. In this review, we discuss a wide range of H₂S donors with anti-AS potential along with their respective transport pathways and design-related limitations. We also discuss the utilization of nano-synthetic technologies to manufacture H₂S donors. This innovative and effective design example sheds new light on the production of highly targeted H₂S donors.

Hippo: a new hub for atherosclerotic disease

Abstract:

Hippo,an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade reaction in organisms,can respond to a set of signals,such as mechanical signals and cell metabolism,to maintain cell growth,differentiation,tissue/organ development and homeostasis.In the past ten years,HIPPO has controlled the development of tissues and organs by regulating the process of cell proliferation,especially in the field of cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction.This suggests that HIPPO signaling is closely linked to cardiovascular disease.Atherosclerosis is the most common disease of the cardiovascular system. It is characterised by chronic inflammation of the vascular wall, mainly involving dysfunction of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages.Oxidized Low density lipoprotein (LDL) damages the barrier function of endothelial cells, which enter the middle membrane of the vascular wall, accelerates the formation of foam cells and promotes the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.Autophagy is associated with the development of atherosclerosis.However, the mechanism of HIPPO regulation of atherosclerosis has not meant to clarified.In view of the pivotal role of this signaling pathway in maintaining cell growth,proliferation and differentiation,the imbalance of Hippo is related to atherosclerosis and related diseases.In this review,we emphasized Hippo as a hub for regulating atherosclerosis and discussed its potential targets in pathophysiology,human diseases,and related pharmacology.

Sestrin2 in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the pathological basis of numerous lethal diseases, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. As we know, almost twenty million people worldwide die of the arterial diseases annually. Sestrin2 is a stress-inducing protein, which serves as a guardian by activating AMPK, inhibiting mTOR, and maintaining redox balance beneath various stress environments. A large number of studies show that Sestrin2 would shield the body from injury by stress. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that Sestrin2 is closely connected with AS. Here, this article reviewed the involvement of Sestrin2 in the pathogenesis of AS from four aspects: cellular mechanism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. Current evidence reveals that Sestrin2 is a novel target for the prevention and treatment of AS.

A promising field: regulating imbalance of EndMT in cardiovascular diseases

Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is widely involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. Although there is no direct evidence, it is very promising as an effective target for the treatment of these diseases. Endothelial cells need to respond to the complex cardiovascular environment through EndMT, but sustained stimuli will cause the imbalance of EndMT. Blocking the signal transduction promoting EndMT is an effective method to control the imbalance of EndMT. In particular, we also discussed the potential role of endothelial cell apoptosis and autophagy in regulating the imbalance of EndMT. In addition, promoting mesenchymal-endothelial transformation (MEndT) is also a method to control the imbalance of EndMT. However, targeting EndMT to treat cardiovascular disease still faces many challenges. By reviewing the research progress of EndMT, we have put forward some insights and translated them into challenges and opportunities for new treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.