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Heliyon Jun 2024Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by plaque accumulation in the arteries. Macrophages are immune cells that are crucial in the development... (Review)
Review
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by plaque accumulation in the arteries. Macrophages are immune cells that are crucial in the development of atherosclerosis. Macrophages can adopt different phenotypes, with the M1 phenotype promoting inflammation while the M2 phenotype counteracting it. This review focuses on the factors that drive the polarisation of M1 macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype during AS. Additionally, we explored metabolic reprogramming mechanisms and cytokines secretion by M1 macrophages. Hyperlipidaemia is widely recognised as a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Modified lipoproteins released in the presence of hyperlipidaemia can trigger the release of cytokines and recruit circulating monocytes, which adhere to the damaged endothelium and differentiate into macrophages. Macrophages engulf lipids, leading to the formation of foam cells. As atherosclerosis progresses, foam cells become the necrotic core within the atherosclerotic plaques, destabilising them and triggering ischaemic disease. Furthermore, we discuss recent research focusing on targeting macrophages or inflammatory pathways for preventive or therapeutic purposes. These include statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, and promising nanotargeted drugs. These new developments hold the potential for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and its related complications.
PubMed: 38873669
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32073 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024The interplay between myeloid cells and T-lymphocytes is critical to the regulation of host defense and inflammation resolution. Dysregulation of this interaction can... (Review)
Review
The interplay between myeloid cells and T-lymphocytes is critical to the regulation of host defense and inflammation resolution. Dysregulation of this interaction can contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. Important among these diseases is atherosclerosis, which refers to focal lesions in the arterial intima driven by elevated apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, notably low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and characterized by the formation of a plaque composed of inflammatory immune cells, a collection of dead cells and lipids called the necrotic core, and a fibrous cap. As the disease progresses, the necrotic core expands, and the fibrous cap becomes thin, which increases the risk of plaque rupture or erosion. Plaque rupture leads to a rapid thrombotic response that can give rise to heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. With marked lowering of circulating LDL, however, plaques become more stable and cardiac risk is lowered-a process known as atherosclerosis regression. A critical aspect of both atherosclerosis progression and regression is the crosstalk between innate (myeloid cells) and adaptive (T-lymphocytes) immune cells. Myeloid cells are specialized at clearing apoptotic cells by a process called efferocytosis, which is necessary for inflammation resolution. In advanced disease, efferocytosis is impaired, leading to secondary necrosis of apoptotic cells, inflammation, and, most importantly, defective tissue resolution. In regression, efferocytosis is reawakened aiding in inflammation resolution and plaque stabilization. Here, we will explore how efferocytosing myeloid cells could affect T-cell function and vice versa through antigen presentation, secreted factors, and cell-cell contacts and how this cellular crosstalk may contribute to the progression or regression of atherosclerosis.
Topics: Humans; Atherosclerosis; T-Lymphocytes; Myeloid Cells; Animals; Cell Communication; Phagocytosis; Apoptosis; Plaque, Atherosclerotic
PubMed: 38873597
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1403150 -
Hellenic Journal of Cardiology : HJC =... Jun 2024Atherosclerosis is closely related with cardiovascular disease risk. The present study aims to evaluate the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty...
BACKGROUND
Atherosclerosis is closely related with cardiovascular disease risk. The present study aims to evaluate the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and the presence of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and plaques burden as detected by computed tomography angiography (CTA), and further test the screening value of MAFLD on the presence of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and plaques burden.
METHODS
We used data from the PolyvasculaR Evaluation for Cognitive Impairment and vaScular Events study, a community-based cohort. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by fatty liver index. Coronary atherosclerotic plaques and burden were detected by CTA. The association of MAFLD with the presence of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and burden was assessed by binary and ordinal logistic regression models, respectively.
RESULTS
Among the 3,029 participants (mean age 61.2±6.7 years), 47.9% (1,452) presented with MAFLD. MAFLD was associated with an increased odds of the presence of coronary atherosclerotic plaques (OR, 1.27; 95% CI: 1.03-1.56), segment involvement score [cOR (common odds ratio), 1.25; 95% CI, 1.03-1.51], and segment stenosis score (cOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06-1.57). Participants with severe fibrosis or diagnosed as DM-MAFLD subtypes were with higher odds for the presence of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and plaques burden. In addition, MAFLD demonstrated higher sensitivity for detecting the presence of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and plaques burden (54%-64%) compared to conventional CVD risk factors (like diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia).
CONCLUSIONS
MAFLD is associated with higher odds of suffering from the presence of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and plaques burden. Moreover, MAFLD may offer better screening potential for coronary atherosclerosis compared to established CVD risk factors.
PubMed: 38871181
DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2024.06.002 -
The American Journal of Cardiology Jun 2024Previous studies reported a robust relation between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Systemic inflammation has been...
Previous studies reported a robust relation between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Systemic inflammation has been proposed as possible pathogenetic mechanism linking these 2 entities, although data on atherosclerotic coronary features in COPD patients are lacking. We studied atherosclerotic coronary plaque features in COPD patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). ACS patients who underwent intracoronary OCT imaging of the culprit vessel were enrolled. Coronary plaque characteristics and OCT-defined macrophage infiltration (MØI) were assessed by OCT. ACS patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of an established diagnosis of COPD, and plaque features at the culprit site and along the culprit vessel were compared between the groups. Of 146 ACS patients (mean age:66.1 ± 12.7 years, 109 men), 47 (32.2%) had COPD. Patients with COPD had significantly higher prevalence of MØI (78.7% vs 54.5%, p = 0.005) and thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (48.9% vs 22.2%, p = 0.001) at the culprit site. In the multivariate logistic regression, COPD was independently associated with MØI (odds ratio [OR] 21.209, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.679 to 267.910, p = 0.018) and TCFA at the culprit site (OR 5.345, 95% CI 1.386 to 20.616, p = 0.015). Similarly, COPD was independently associated with both MØI (OR 3.570, 95% CI 1.472 to 8.658, p = 0.005) and TCFA (OR 4.088, 95% CI 1.584 to 10.554, p = 0.004) along the culprit vessel. In conclusion, in ACS patients who underwent OCT imaging of the culprit vessel, COPD was an independent predictor of plaque inflammation and vulnerability. These results may suggest that a higher inflammatory milieu in COPD patients might enhance local coronary inflammation, promoting CAD development and plaque vulnerability.
PubMed: 38871157
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.06.005 -
International Journal of... 2024Corilagin possesses a diverse range of pharmacologic bioactivities. However, the specific protective effects and mechanisms of action of corilagin in the context of...
INTRODUCTION
Corilagin possesses a diverse range of pharmacologic bioactivities. However, the specific protective effects and mechanisms of action of corilagin in the context of atherosclerosis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of corilagin on the toll-like receptor (TLR)4 signaling pathway in a mouse vascular smooth muscle cell line (MOVAS) stimulated by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Additionally, we examined the effects of corilagin in Sprague-Dawley rats experiencing atherosclerosis.
METHODS
The cytotoxicity of corilagin was assessed using the CCK8 assay. MOVAS cells, pre-incubated with ox-LDL, underwent treatment with varying concentrations of corilagin. TLR4 expression was modulated by either downregulation through small interfering (si)RNA or upregulation via lentivirus transfection. Molecular expression within the TLR4 signaling pathway was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. The proliferation capacity of MOVAS cells was determined through cell counting. In a rat model, atherosclerosis was induced in femoral arteries using an improved guidewire injury method, and TLR4 expression in plaque areas was assessed using immunofluorescence. Pathological changes were examined through hematoxylin and eosin staining, as well as Oil-Red-O staining.
RESULTS
Corilagin demonstrated inhibitory effects on the TLR4 signaling pathway in MOVAS cells pre-stimulated with ox-LDL, consequently impeding the proliferative impact of ox-LDL. The modulation of TLR4 expression, either through downregulation or upregulation, similarly influenced the expression of downstream molecules. In an in vivo context, corilagin exhibited the ability to suppress TLR4 and MyD88 expression in the plaque lesion areas of rat femoral arteries, thereby alleviating the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
CONCLUSION
Corilagin can inhibit the TLR4 signaling pathway in VSMCs, possibly by downregulating TLR4 expression and, consequently, relieving atherosclerosis.
Topics: Animals; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Hydrolyzable Tannins; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Signal Transduction; Atherosclerosis; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Glucosides; Mice; Cell Line; Rats; Cell Proliferation; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Disease Models, Animal; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88
PubMed: 38869980
DOI: 10.1177/03946320241254083 -
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and... Jun 2024Atherosclerosis is driven by the infiltration of the arterial intima by diverse immune cells and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). CD8 T cells promote lesion growth during...
BACKGROUND
Atherosclerosis is driven by the infiltration of the arterial intima by diverse immune cells and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). CD8 T cells promote lesion growth during atherosclerotic lesion development, but their role in advanced atherosclerosis is less clear. Here, we studied the role of CD8 T cells and their effects on SMCs in established atherosclerosis.
METHODS
CD8 T cells were depleted in (SMC reporter) low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient () mice with established atherosclerotic lesions. Atherosclerotic lesion formation was examined, and single-cell RNA sequencing of aortic SMCs and their progeny was performed. Additionally, coculture experiments with primary aortic SMCs and CD8 T cells were conducted.
RESULTS
Although we could not detect differences in atherosclerotic lesion size, an increased plaque SMC content was noted in mice after CD8 T-cell depletion. Single-cell RNA sequencing of aortic lineage-traced SMCs revealed contractile SMCs and a modulated SMC cluster, expressing macrophage- and osteoblast-related genes. CD8 T-cell depletion was associated with an increased contractile but decreased macrophage and osteoblast-like gene signature in this modulated aortic SMC cluster. Conversely, exposure of isolated aortic SMCs to activated CD8 T cells decreased the expression of genes indicative of a contractile SMC phenotype and induced a macrophage and osteoblast-like cell state. Notably, CD8 T cells triggered calcium deposits in SMCs under osteogenic conditions. Mechanistically, we identified transcription factors highly expressed in modulated SMCs, including , to be induced by CD8 T cells in cultured SMCs in an IFNγ (interferon-γ)-dependent manner.
CONCLUSIONS
We here uncovered CD8 T cells to control the SMC phenotype in atherosclerosis. CD8 T cells promote SMC dedifferentiation and drive SMCs to adopt features of an osteoblast-like, procalcifying cell phenotype. Given the critical role of SMCs in atherosclerotic plaque stability, CD8 T cells could thus be explored as therapeutic target cells during lesion progression.
PubMed: 38868941
DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.123.320084 -
ELife Jun 2024Bone releases calcium and phosphate in response to pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated inflammation. The body develops impaired urinary excretion of phosphate with age...
Bone releases calcium and phosphate in response to pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated inflammation. The body develops impaired urinary excretion of phosphate with age and chronic inflammation given the reduction of the kidney protein Klotho, which is essential to phosphate excretion. Phosphate may also play a role in the development of the resistance of the parathyroid calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) to circulating calcium thus contributing to calcium retention in the circulation. Phosphate can contribute to vascular smooth muscle dedifferentiation with manifestation of osteoblastogenesis and ultimately endovascular calcium phosphate precipitation. Thus phosphate, along with calcium, contributes to the calcification and inflammation of atherosclerotic plaques and the origin of these elements is likely the bone, which serves as storage for the majority of the body's supply of extracellular calcium and phosphate. Early cardiac evaluation of patients with chronic inflammation and attempts at up-regulating the parathyroid CaSR with calcimimetics or introducing earlier anti-resorptive treatment with bone active pharmacologic agents may serve to delay onset or reduce the quantity of atherosclerotic plaque calcification in these patients.
Topics: Humans; Vascular Calcification; Phosphates; Calcium; Inflammation; Receptors, Calcium-Sensing; Animals; Coronary Vessels
PubMed: 38864841
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.91808 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Hyperglycemia accelerates calcification of atherosclerotic plaques in diabetic patients, and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is closely...
Hyperglycemia accelerates calcification of atherosclerotic plaques in diabetic patients, and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is closely related to the atherosclerotic calcification. Here, we show that hyperglycemia-mediated AGEs markedly increase vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) NF90/110 activation in male diabetic patients with atherosclerotic calcified samples. VSMC-specific NF90/110 knockout in male mice decreases obviously AGEs-induced atherosclerotic calcification, along with the inhibitions of VSMC phenotypic changes to osteoblast-like cells, apoptosis, and matrix vesicle release. Mechanistically, AGEs increase the activity of NF90, which then enhances ubiquitination and degradation of AGE receptor 1 (AGER1) by stabilizing the mRNA of E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXW7, thus causing the accumulation of more AGEs and atherosclerotic calcification. Collectively, our study demonstrates the effects of VSMC NF90 in mediating the metabolic imbalance of AGEs to accelerate diabetic atherosclerotic calcification. Therefore, inhibition of VSMC NF90 may be a potential therapeutic target for diabetic atherosclerotic calcification.
Topics: Animals; Male; Mice; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Mice, Knockout; Atherosclerosis; Humans; F-Box-WD Repeat-Containing Protein 7; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Nuclear Factor 90 Proteins; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; Vascular Calcification; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Ubiquitination; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Hyperglycemia; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Apoptosis
PubMed: 38862515
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49315-9 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jun 2024Coronary artery calcium testing using noncontrast cardiac computed tomography is a guideline-indicated test to help refine eligibility for aspirin in primary prevention....
Carotid Ultrasound-Based Plaque Score for the Allocation of Aspirin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Events: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.
BACKGROUND
Coronary artery calcium testing using noncontrast cardiac computed tomography is a guideline-indicated test to help refine eligibility for aspirin in primary prevention. However, access to cardiac computed tomography remains limited, with carotid ultrasound used much more often internationally. We sought to update the role of aspirin allocation in primary prevention as a function of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.
METHODS AND RESULTS
The study included 11 379 participants from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) and ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) studies. A harmonized carotid plaque score (range, 0-6) was derived using the number of anatomic sites with plaque from the left and right common, bifurcation, and internal carotid artery on ultrasound. The 5-year number needed to treat and number needed to harm as a function of the carotid plaque score were calculated by applying a 12% relative risk reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events and 42% relative increase in major bleeding events related to aspirin use, respectively. The mean age was 57 years, 57% were women, 23% were Black, and the median 10-year ASCVD risk was 12.8%. The 5-year incidence rates (per 1000 person-years) were 5.5 (4.9-6.2) for ASCVD and 1.8 (1.5-2.2) for major bleeding events. The overall 5-year number needed to treat with aspirin was 306 but was 2-fold lower for individuals with carotid plaque versus those without carotid plaque (212 versus 448). The 5-year number needed to treat was less than the 5-year number needed to harm when the carotid plaque score was ≥2 for individuals with ASCVD risk 5% to 20%, whereas the presence of any carotid plaque demarcated a favorable risk-benefit for individuals with ASCVD risk >20%.
CONCLUSIONS
Quantification of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis can help improve the allocation of aspirin therapy.
Topics: Humans; Aspirin; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Primary Prevention; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Carotid Artery Diseases; Aged; Risk Assessment; United States; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Carotid Arteries; Ultrasonography; Risk Factors; Ethnicity; Aged, 80 and over; Ultrasonography, Carotid Arteries
PubMed: 38860391
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.034718 -
Journal of Inflammation (London,... Jun 2024Atherosclerosis (AS) formation is enhanced by different mechanisms including cytokine generation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and migration. One of the... (Review)
Review
Atherosclerosis (AS) formation is enhanced by different mechanisms including cytokine generation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and migration. One of the recent treatments towards endothelial dysfunction and AS is Vinpocetine (VPN). VPN is a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase enzyme 1 (PDE-1) and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through inhibition the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). VPN has been shown to be effective against the development and progression of AS. However, the underlying molecular mechanism was not fully clarified. Consequently, objective of the present review was to discuss the mechanistic role of VPN in the pathogenesis AS. Most of pro-inflammatory cytokines that released from macrophages are inhibited by action of VPN through NF-κB-dependent mechanism. VPN blocks monocyte adhesion and migration by constraining the expression and action of pro-inflammatory cytokines. As well, VPN is effective in reducing of oxidative stress a cornerstone in the pathogenesis of AS through inhibition of NF-κB and PDE1. VPN promotes plaque stability and prevents the erosion and rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. In conclusion, VPN through mitigation of inflammatory and oxidative stress, and improvement of plaque stability effects could be effective agent in the management of AS.
PubMed: 38858751
DOI: 10.1186/s12950-024-00394-x