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Cell Reports. Medicine Jun 2024Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and mediates its internalization and degradation, resulting in...
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and mediates its internalization and degradation, resulting in an increase in LDL cholesterol levels. Recently, PCSK9 emerged as a therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. In this study, we develop a PCSK9 nanoparticle (NP) vaccine by covalently conjugating the catalytic domain (aa 153-aa 454, D374Y) of PCSK9 to self-assembled 24-mer ferritin NPs. We demonstrate that the PCSK9 NP vaccine effectively induces interfering antibodies against PCSK9 and reduces serum lipids levels in both a high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia model and an adeno-associated virus-hPCSK9-induced hypercholesterolemia model. Additionally, the vaccine significantly reduces plaque lesion areas in the aorta and macrophages infiltration in an atherosclerosis mouse model. Furthermore, we discover that the vaccine's efficacy relied on T follicular help cells and LDLR. Overall, these findings suggest that the PCSK9 NP vaccine holds promise as an effective treatment for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
Topics: Proprotein Convertase 9; Animals; Hypercholesterolemia; Nanoparticles; Vaccines; Mice; Receptors, LDL; Disease Models, Animal; Atherosclerosis; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Humans; Diet, High-Fat; Male; Nanovaccines
PubMed: 38897173
DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101614 -
Journal of Cellular and Molecular... Jun 2024Our previous study reckons that the impact of the rs1801133 variant of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) on coronary artery disease (CAD) is possibly...
Our previous study reckons that the impact of the rs1801133 variant of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) on coronary artery disease (CAD) is possibly mediated by cardiometabolic disorder. This study is performed to verify this hypothesis. Four hundred and thirty CAD patients and 216 CAD-free individuals were enrolled in this case-control study. The rs1801133 variant was genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Severity of coronary lesions was evaluated by number of stenotic coronary vessels and extent of coronary stenosis. The rs1801133 T allele significantly increased homocysteine levels in patients with CAD and CAD-free individuals. Individuals with the T allele of rs1801133 had an increased risk of developing CAD. In contrast, individuals with the TT genotype of rs1801133 were at high risk of multiple vessel lesions. The carriers of CT genotype had higher levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and lower levels of apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) than those with CC genotype in male patients with CAD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and precision-recall (PR) curve indicated that hyperhomocysteinemia was sensitive to predict the severity of CAD. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that homocysteine, rs1801133, age, smoking, weight, body mass index (BMI), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and hs-CRP were independent risk factors for CAD. The increased risk of CAD and severity of coronary lesions associated with rs1801133 in the Chinese Han population were attributed, at least partly, to high homocysteine levels. Hyperhomocysteinemia had a high predictive value for severe CAD or multiple vessel lesions.
Topics: Humans; Homocysteine; Male; Coronary Artery Disease; Middle Aged; Female; Case-Control Studies; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Severity of Illness Index; Aged; Risk Factors; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; ROC Curve; Genotype; C-Reactive Protein; Alleles; Apolipoprotein A-I
PubMed: 38896027
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18474 -
Clinical Cardiology Jun 2024Statins are lipid-lowering drugs with favorable anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore different statin-based lipid-lowering strategies to reduce... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Statins are lipid-lowering drugs with favorable anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore different statin-based lipid-lowering strategies to reduce high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
HYPOTHESIS
The hypothesis is that different statin-based lipid-lowering strategies might reduce hs-CRP.
METHODS
This retrospective study included 3653 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Three statin-based lipid-lowering strategies were investigated, including different types of statins (atorvastatin vs. rosuvastatin), statin combined with ezetimibe therapy (vs. without), and intensive statin therapy (vs. regular). The hs-CRP levels and blood lipid indicators were measured at baseline and after 1-month lipid-lowering therapy. Multivariable linear regression analysis and structural equation mode analysis were conducted to verify the association between different lipid-lowering strategies, Δhs-CRP (%) and ΔLDL-C (%).
RESULTS
Totally, 3653 patients were enrolled with an average age of 63.81 years. Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that statin combined with ezetimibe therapy was significantly associated with decreased Δhs-CRP (%) (β = -0.253, 95% CI: [-0.501 to -0.005], p = 0.045). The increased ΔLDL-C (%) was an independent predictor of elevated levels of Δhs-CRP (%) (β = 0.487, 95% CI: [0.15-0.824], p = 0.005). Furthermore, structural equation model analysis proved that statin combined with ezetimibe therapy (β = -0.300, p < 0.001) and intensive statin therapy (β = -0.032, p = 0.043) had an indirect negative effect on Δhs-CRP via ΔLDL-C.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared with routine statin use, statin combined with ezetimibe therapy and intensive statin therapy could further reduce hs-CRP levels.
Topics: Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Female; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; C-Reactive Protein; Coronary Artery Disease; Middle Aged; Biomarkers; Treatment Outcome; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Ezetimibe; Drug Therapy, Combination; Aged; Rosuvastatin Calcium; Atorvastatin; Cholesterol, LDL; Anticholesteremic Agents; Dyslipidemias
PubMed: 38895772
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24301 -
Nutrients May 2024(1) Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The aim of the study was to examine the existing published results of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
(1) Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The aim of the study was to examine the existing published results of the association between elevated serum phosphate concentrations and cardiovascular mortality, along with the CVD incidence and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, in primary prevention among non-selected samples of the general population. (2) Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out using literature obtained from PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Web Of Science until March 2024 and following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant information was extracted and presented. Random and fixed effects models were used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with their 95% coefficient interval (CI), and I was used to assess heterogeneity. (3) Results: Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis (11 cross-sectional and 14 cohort studies). For cardiovascular mortality, which included 7 cohort studies and 41,764 adults, the pooled HR was 1.44 (95% CIs 1.28, 1.61; I 0%) when the highest versus the reference level of serum phosphate concentrations were compared. For CVDs, which included 8 cohort studies and 61,723 adults, the pooled HR was 1.12 (95% CIs 0.99, 1.27; I 51%). For subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, which included 11 cross-sectional studies and 24,820 adults, the pooled OR was 1.44 (95% CIs 1.15, 1.79; I 88%). (4) Conclusions: The highest serum phosphate concentrations were positively associated with a 44% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Phosphates; Cardiovascular Diseases; Risk Factors; Female; Male; Incidence; Middle Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38892532
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111599 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and even though current treatment strategies focusing on... (Review)
Review
Circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and even though current treatment strategies focusing on lowering lipid levels are effective, CVD remains the primary cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the major cause of CVD and is a chronic inflammatory condition in which various cell types and protein kinases play a crucial role. However, the underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis are not entirely understood yet. Notably, protein kinases are highly druggable targets and represent, therefore, a novel way to target atherosclerosis. In this review, the potential role of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-like (CaMKL) family and its role in atherosclerosis will be discussed. This family consists of 12 subfamilies, among which are the well-described and conserved liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) subfamilies. Interestingly, LKB1 plays a key role and is considered a master kinase within the CaMKL family. It has been shown that LKB1 signaling leads to atheroprotective effects, while, for example, members of the microtubule affinity-regulating kinase (MARK) subfamily have been described to aggravate atherosclerosis development. These observations highlight the importance of studying kinases and their signaling pathways in atherosclerosis, bringing us a step closer to unraveling the underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis.
Topics: Humans; Atherosclerosis; Animals; Signal Transduction; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases
PubMed: 38892400
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116213 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024GV1001, an anticancer vaccine, exhibits other biological functions, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. It also suppresses the development of...
GV1001, an anticancer vaccine, exhibits other biological functions, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. It also suppresses the development of ligature-induced periodontitis in mice. (), a major human oral bacterium implicated in the development of periodontitis, is associated with various systemic disorders, such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to explore the protective effects of GV1001 against -induced periodontal disease, atherosclerosis, and AD-like conditions in ()-deficient mice. GV1001 effectively mitigated the development of -induced periodontal disease, atherosclerosis, and AD-like conditions by counteracting -induced local and systemic inflammation, partly by inhibiting the accumulation of DNA aggregates, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and gingipains in the gingival tissue, arterial wall, and brain. GV1001 attenuated the development of atherosclerosis by inhibiting vascular inflammation, lipid deposition in the arterial wall, endothelial to mesenchymal cell transition (EndMT), the expression of Cluster of Differentiation 47 (CD47) from arterial smooth muscle cells, and the formation of foam cells in mice with -induced periodontal disease. GV1001 also suppressed the accumulation of AD biomarkers in the brains of mice with periodontal disease. Overall, these findings suggest that GV1001 holds promise as a preventive agent in the development of atherosclerosis and AD-like conditions associated with periodontal disease.
Topics: Animals; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Mice; Apolipoproteins E; Periodontal Diseases; Atherosclerosis; Telomerase; Peptide Fragments; Alzheimer Disease; Periodontitis; Bacteroidaceae Infections; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Male; Humans
PubMed: 38892314
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116126 -
Discovering Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: Insights from Pathogenic Pathways to Clinical Practice.International Journal of Molecular... May 2024This comprehensive review explores the various scenarios of atherosclerosis, a systemic and chronic arterial disease that underlies most cardiovascular disorders.... (Review)
Review
This comprehensive review explores the various scenarios of atherosclerosis, a systemic and chronic arterial disease that underlies most cardiovascular disorders. Starting from an overview of its insidious development, often asymptomatic until it reaches advanced stages, the review delves into the pathophysiological evolution of atherosclerotic lesions, highlighting the central role of inflammation. Insights into clinical manifestations, including heart attacks and strokes, highlight the disease's significant burden on global health. Emphasis is placed on carotid atherosclerosis, clarifying its epidemiology, clinical implications, and association with cognitive decline. Prevention strategies, lifestyle modifications, risk factor management, and nuanced antithrombotic treatment considerations are critical to managing cardiovascular complications, thus addressing a crucial aspect of cardiovascular health.
Topics: Humans; Atherosclerosis; Inflammation; Risk Factors; Animals
PubMed: 38892201
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116016 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and early onset atherosclerosis is well depicted, each with an important inflammatory component. Glycoprotein acetyls...
The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and early onset atherosclerosis is well depicted, each with an important inflammatory component. Glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA), a novel biomarker of inflammation, may play a role in the manifestation of these two inflammatory conditions. The present study examined a potential mediating role of GlycA within the RA-atherosclerosis relationship to determine whether it accounts for the excess risk of cardiovascular disease over that posed by lipid risk factors. The UK Biobank dataset was acquired to establish associations among RA, atherosclerosis, GlycA, and major lipid factors: total cholesterol (TC), high- and low-density lipoprotein (HDL, LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides (TGs). Genome-wide association study summary statistics were collected from various resources to perform genetic analyses. Causality among variables was tested using Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. Genes of interest were identified using colocalization analysis and gene enrichment analysis. MR results appeared to indicate that the genetic relationship between GlycA and RA and also between RA and atherosclerosis was explained by horizontal pleiotropy (-value = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively), while GlycA may causally predict atherosclerosis (-value = 0.017). Colocalization analysis revealed several functionally relevant genes shared between GlycA and all the variables assessed. Two loci were apparent in all relationships tested and included the HLA region as well as GlycA appears to mediate the RA-atherosclerosis relationship through several possible pathways. GlycA, although pleiotropically related to RA, appears to causally predict atherosclerosis. Thus, GlycA is suggested as a significant factor in the etiology of atherosclerosis development in RA.
Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Biomarkers; Genome-Wide Association Study; Cardiovascular Diseases; Atherosclerosis; Glycoproteins; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Genetic Predisposition to Disease
PubMed: 38892172
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115981 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024This review article focuses on the role of adenosine in coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis and treatment. Adenosine, an endogenous purine nucleoside, plays crucial... (Review)
Review
This review article focuses on the role of adenosine in coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis and treatment. Adenosine, an endogenous purine nucleoside, plays crucial roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Its release and effects, mediated by specific receptors, influence vasomotor function, blood pressure regulation, heart rate, and platelet activity. Adenosine therapeutic effects include treatment of the no-reflow phenomenon and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The production of adenosine involves complex cellular pathways, with extracellular and intracellular synthesis mechanisms. Adenosine's rapid metabolism underscores its short half-life and physiological turnover. Furthermore, adenosine's involvement in side effects of antiplatelet therapy, particularly ticagrelor and cangrelor, highlights its clinical significance. Moreover, adenosine serves as a valuable tool in CAD diagnosis, aiding stress testing modalities and guiding intracoronary physiological assessments. Its use in assessing epicardial stenosis and microvascular dysfunction is pivotal for treatment decisions. Overall, understanding adenosine's mechanisms and clinical implications is essential for optimizing CAD management strategies, encompassing both therapeutic interventions and diagnostic approaches.
Topics: Humans; Adenosine; Coronary Artery Disease; Animals; Adenosine Monophosphate; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
PubMed: 38892037
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115852 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder that affects more than 20 million people in the United States. DM-related complications affect multiple organ... (Review)
Review
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder that affects more than 20 million people in the United States. DM-related complications affect multiple organ systems and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among people with DM. Of the numerous acute and chronic complications, atherosclerosis due to diabetic dyslipidemia is a condition that can lead to many life-threatening diseases, such as stroke, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. The nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway is an emerging antioxidative pathway and a promising target for the treatment of DM and its complications. This review aims to explore the Nrf2 pathway's role in combating diabetic dyslipidemia. We will explore risk factors for diabetic dyslipidemia at a cellular level and aim to elucidate how the Nrf2 pathway becomes a potential therapeutic target for DM-related atherosclerosis.
Topics: Humans; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Atherosclerosis; Signal Transduction; Dyslipidemias; Animals; Diabetes Complications; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38892018
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115831