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Liu H, Hallauer Hastings M, Kitchen R, Xiao C, Baldovino Guerra JR, Kuznetsov A, Rosenzweig A. Beneficial Effects of Moderate Hepatic Activin A Expression on Metabolic Pathways, Inflammation, and Atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:330-349. [PMID: 36453275 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory vascular disease marked by hyperlipidemia and hematopoietic stem cell expansion. Activin A, a member of the Activin/GDF/TGFβ/BMP (growth/differentiation factor/transforming growth factor beta/bone morphogenetic protein) family is broadly expressed and increases in human atherosclerosis, but its functional effects in vivo in this context remain unclear. METHODS We studied LDLR-/- mice on a Western diet for 12 weeks and used adeno-associated viral vectors with a liver-specific TBG (thyroxine-binding globulin) promoter to express Activin A or GFP (control). Atherosclerotic lesions were analyzed by oil red staining. Blood lipid profiling was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and immune cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Liver RNA-sequencing was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Activin A expression decreased in both livers and aortae from LDLR-/- mice fed a Western diet compared with standard laboratory diet. Adenoassociated virus-TBG-Activin A increased Activin A hepatic expression ≈10-fold at 12 weeks; P<0.001) and circulating Activin A levels ≈2000 pg/ml versus ≈50 pg/ml; P<0.001, compared with controls). Hepatic Activin A expression decreased plasma total and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol ≈60% and ≈40%, respectively), reduced inflammatory cells in aortae and proliferating hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow, and reduced atherosclerotic lesion and necrotic core area in aortae. Activin A also attenuated liver steatosis and expression of the lipogenesis genes, Srebp1 and Srebp2. RNA sequencing revealed Activin A not only blocked expression of genes involved in hepatic de novo lipogenesis but also fatty acid uptake and liver inflammation. In addition, Activin A expressed in the liver also reduced white fat tissue accumulation, decreased adipocyte size, and improved glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Our studies reveal hepatic Activin A expression reduces inflammation, hematopoietic stem cell expansion, liver steatosis, circulating cholesterol, and fat accumulation, which likely all contribute to the observed protection against atherosclerosis. The reduced Activin A observed in LDLR-/- mice on a Western diet seems maladaptive and deleterious for atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | | | - Robert Kitchen
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Chunyang Xiao
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | | | - Alexandra Kuznetsov
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Anthony Rosenzweig
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston
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2
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Impact of Dysfunctional Adipose Tissue Depots on the Cardiovascular System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214296. [PMID: 36430774 PMCID: PMC9695168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity with its associated complications represents a social, economic and health problem of utmost importance worldwide. Specifically, obese patients carry a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to nonobese individuals. Multiple molecular mechanisms contribute to the impaired biological activity of the distinct adipose tissue depots in obesity, including secretion of proinflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species, ultimately leading to an unfavorable impact on the cardiovascular system. This review summarizes data relating to the contribution of the main adipose tissue depots, including both remote (i.e., intra-abdominal, hepatic, skeletal, pancreatic, renal, and mesenteric adipose fat), and cardiac (i.e., the epicardial fat) adipose locations, on the cardiovascular system. Finally, we discuss both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk through acting on adipose tissues, with particular attention to the epicardial fat.
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3
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Wang H, Zhang P, Chen X, Liu W, Fu Z, Liu M. Activin a inhibits foam cell formation and up-regulates ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression through Alk4-Smad signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Steroids 2021; 174:108887. [PMID: 34237315 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2021.108887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activin A has been reported to play important roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of activin A on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced foam cell formation and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in murine macrophage-like cell line RAW 264.7. METHODS The effects of activin A on Dil-labeled ox-LDL uptake were examined by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. The mRNA and protein levels of cholesterol receptors were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. To investigate whether activin receptor-like kinase 4 (Alk4) is required for activin A-mediated cellular effects, cells were pre-treated with SB-431542. The involvement of Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 was confirmed by transfection with specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). RESULTS Activin A inhibits ox-ldl-induced foam cell formation and class A scavenger receptors (SR-A) expression, while up-regulates ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Pre-treatment with SB-431542 abolished activin A-mediated anti-atherogenic effect. Knockdown of Smad2 reversed activin A-induced inhibition of ox-LDL uptake and SR-A expression. However, knockdown of Smad3 or Smad4 did not have such effect. Meanwhile, knockdown of either Smad2, Smad3 or Smad4 reversed the activin A-induced up-regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides novel evidence that activin A may exert anti-atherogenic effects through Alk4-Smad signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China; Division of Cardiology, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiahuan Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifang Fu
- Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Meilin Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China.
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Esposito P, Verzola D, Picciotto D, Cipriani L, Viazzi F, Garibotto G. Myostatin/Activin-A Signaling in the Vessel Wall and Vascular Calcification. Cells 2021; 10:2070. [PMID: 34440838 PMCID: PMC8393536 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A current hypothesis is that transforming growth factor-β signaling ligands, such as activin-A and myostatin, play a role in vascular damage in atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Myostatin and activin-A bind with different affinity the activin receptors (type I or II), activating distinct intracellular signaling pathways and finally leading to modulation of gene expression. Myostatin and activin-A are expressed by different cell types and tissues, including muscle, kidney, reproductive system, immune cells, heart, and vessels, where they exert pleiotropic effects. In arterial vessels, experimental evidence indicates that myostatin may mostly promote vascular inflammation and premature aging, while activin-A is involved in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification and CKD-related mineral bone disorders. In this review, we discuss novel insights into the biology and physiology of the role played by myostatin and activin in the vascular wall, focusing on the experimental and clinical data, which suggest the involvement of these molecules in vascular remodeling and calcification processes. Moreover, we describe the strategies that have been used to modulate the activin downward signal. Understanding the role of myostatin/activin signaling in vascular disease and bone metabolism may provide novel therapeutic opportunities to improve the treatment of conditions still associated with high morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Clinica Nefrologica, Dialisi, Trapianto, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Daniela Verzola
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Daniela Picciotto
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Clinica Nefrologica, Dialisi, Trapianto, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Leda Cipriani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Francesca Viazzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Clinica Nefrologica, Dialisi, Trapianto, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Garibotto
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.E.); (D.V.); (L.C.); (F.V.)
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Brunner G, Roux M, Böhm V, Meiners T. Cellular and molecular changes that predispose skin in chronic spinal cord injury to pressure ulcer formation. Int Wound J 2021; 18:728-737. [PMID: 33723924 PMCID: PMC8450792 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with spinal cord injury have a predisposition to develop pressure ulcers. Specific characteristics of the patients' skin potentially involved have not yet been identified. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether loss of neuronal control affects cellular and molecular homeostasis in the skin. Intact afflicted skin, wound edge of pressure ulcers, and control skin were analysed. Platelets, transforming growth factor‐β1, and activin A were identified by immunohistochemistry. Transforming growth factor‐β‐like activity was determined by bioassay, and gene expression by DNA microarray analysis or RT‐PCR. In afflicted skin, enhanced platelet extravasation was detected. Transforming growth factor‐β1 and activin A accumulated in the dermal‐epidermal junction zone. Transforming growth factor‐β‐like activity and activin A expression were increased in intact afflicted skin (compared to control skin) and were further enhanced in pressure ulcers. In vitro, activity was generated by fibroblast‐epithelial cell interactions, which also induced activin A. Thus, loss of neuronal control in spinal cord injury appears to trigger inappropriate wound healing processes in the patients' skin. Plasma leakage and increased transforming growth factor‐β‐like activity combined with shear forces potentially enhance the risk for pressure ulcer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Brunner
- Center for Spinal Cord Injuries, Werner Wicker Hospital, Bad Wildungen, Germany.,Department of Cancer Research, Skin Cancer Center Hornheide, Münster, Germany
| | - Meike Roux
- Department of Cancer Research, Skin Cancer Center Hornheide, Münster, Germany
| | - Volker Böhm
- Center for Spinal Cord Injuries, Werner Wicker Hospital, Bad Wildungen, Germany
| | - Thomas Meiners
- Center for Spinal Cord Injuries, Werner Wicker Hospital, Bad Wildungen, Germany
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Li S, Li Z, Yin R, Nie J, Fu Y, Ying R. Knockdown of dual oxidase 1 suppresses activin A-induced fibrosis in cardiomyocytes via the reactive oxygen species-dependent pyroptotic pathway. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 131:105902. [PMID: 33309621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases account for more than 8 million deaths worldwide annually. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been shown to activate pyroptosis and promote the production of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, leading to fibrosis development. However, the role of dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1)-induced ROS production and pyroptosis in cardiac fibrosis remains largely unknown. Activin A was used to induce ROS and pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes. ROS level, pyroptosis, and cytokine production were detected using Active Oxygen Detection Kit, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Western blotting analysis was used to measure expression changes of proteins. DUOX1 was silenced or overexpressed to investigate its role in fibrosis. We found that activin A induced ROS production and pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes, which was blocked by the ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Knockdown of DUOX1 reversed activin A-induced ROS production, pyroptosis, cytokine release, and the upregulation of proinflammatory proteins. Overexpression of DUOX1 resulted in opposite effects of knockdown DUOX1. Administration of an ROS scavenger blocked the effect of DUOX1 overexpression. Supplementation of IL-1β and IL-18 caused significant fibrosis in human cardiac fibroblasts (hCFs). The knockdown of DUOX1 protected cardiomyocytes against activin A-induced fibrosis via the inhibition of ROS, cytokine release, and pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of NanChang University, NanChang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China; Department of Respiratory Medicine, The 908th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, NanChang, Jiangxi Province, 330026, China
| | - Zhibing Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of NanChang University, NanChang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Ran Yin
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of NanChang University, NanChang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Jungang Nie
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of NanChang University, NanChang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Yongnan Fu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of NanChang University, NanChang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China
| | - Ru Ying
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of NanChang University, NanChang, Jiangxi Province, 330006, China.
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Szabó Z, Vainio L, Lin R, Swan J, Hulmi JJ, Rahtu-Korpela L, Serpi R, Laitinen M, Pasternack A, Ritvos O, Kerkelä R, Magga J. Systemic blockade of ACVR2B ligands attenuates muscle wasting in ischemic heart failure without compromising cardiac function. FASEB J 2020; 34:9911-9924. [PMID: 32427381 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903074rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Signaling through activin receptors regulates skeletal muscle mass and activin receptor 2B (ACVR2B) ligands are also suggested to participate in myocardial infarction (MI) pathology in the heart. In this study, we determined the effect of systemic blockade of ACVR2B ligands on cardiac function in experimental MI, and defined its efficacy to revert muscle wasting in ischemic heart failure (HF). Mice were treated with soluble ACVR2B decoy receptor (ACVR2B-Fc) to study its effect on post-MI cardiac remodeling and on later HF. Cardiac function was determined with echocardiography, and myocardium analyzed with histological and biochemical methods for hypertrophy and fibrosis. Pharmacological blockade of ACVR2B ligands did not rescue the heart from ischemic injury or alleviate post-MI remodeling and ischemic HF. Collectively, ACVR2B-Fc did not affect cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, angiogenesis, nor factors associated with cardiac regeneration except modification of certain genes involved in metabolism or cell growth/survival. ACVR2B-Fc, however, was able to reduce skeletal muscle wasting in chronic ischemic HF, accompanied by reduced LC3II as a marker of autophagy and increased mTOR signaling and Cited4 expression as markers of physiological hypertrophy in quadriceps muscle. Our results ascertain pharmacological blockade of ACVR2B ligands as a possible therapy for skeletal muscle wasting in ischemic HF. Pharmacological blockade of ACVR2B ligands preserved myofiber size in ischemic HF, but did not compromise cardiac function nor exacerbate cardiac remodeling after ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Szabó
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Laura Vainio
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ruizhu Lin
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Julia Swan
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha J Hulmi
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lea Rahtu-Korpela
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Raisa Serpi
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mika Laitinen
- Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arja Pasternack
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Risto Kerkelä
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Johanna Magga
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Masutani S. Activin A ― A Potentially Useful Biomarker of Diastolic Dysfunction ―. Circ J 2019; 83:1443-1445. [DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-19-0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Masutani
- Department of Pediatrics, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University
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9
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Kosmas CE, Silverio D, Sourlas A, Montan PD, Guzman E, Garcia MJ. Anti-inflammatory therapy for cardiovascular disease. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:147. [PMID: 31157268 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.02.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic subclinical inflammation is a central process in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and it has been linked with both the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Several pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as the C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been described as independent risk factors for coronary heart disease and promoters of atherogenesis. Thus, extensive research is being conducted to assess the role of anti-inflammatory therapy in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD. Our review aims to provide the clinical and scientific data pertaining to the effects of different anti-inflammatory agents administered in patients with CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Delia Silverio
- Cardiology Clinic, Cardiology Unlimited, PC, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Peter D Montan
- Cardiology Clinic, Cardiology Unlimited, PC, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eliscer Guzman
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mario J Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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10
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Peng LN, Chou MY, Liang CK, Lee WJ, Kojima T, Lin MH, Loh CH, Chen LK. Association between serum activin A and metabolic syndrome in older adults: Potential of activin A as a biomarker of cardiometabolic disease. Exp Gerontol 2018; 111:197-202. [PMID: 30071284 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease imposes substantial burdens of morbidity and mortality that increase with population aging. Estimating cardiometabolic risk accurately and expediently is challenging, and no single biomarker is satisfactory; hence, we investigated the potential of serum activin A for this purpose. Study data were collected from 433 community-dwelling adults age ≥53 years from Yilan County, Taiwan. Data included: demographics and medical history; physical measurements (blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference); comprehensive functional assessments (frailty, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, nutritional status); fasting blood biochemistry (glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, insulin-like growth factor-1, activin A, stratified into high, medium and low tertiles, and others); and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Metabolic syndrome was considered a proxy for overall cardiometabolic risk. Subjects mean age was 69.3 ± 9.2 years, 48.3% were males. Compared to women, men had higher systolic blood pressure, education levels, relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass, waist circumference, physical activity, walking speed, free androgen index, and levels of serum uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. High activin A was significantly associated with age, relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass in both gender, waist circumference in women, current alcohol drinking, hypertension, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. There were dose-dependent relationships (low to high) between serum activin A and frailty, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, metabolic syndrome, uric acid, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Logistic regression analyses showed older age, serum uric acid, and metabolic syndrome were significantly associated with medium and high activin-A status, whereas, skeletal muscle mass, insulin-like growth factor-1 and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were associated with high, but not medium, serum activin A. This discovery of a dose-dependent association between serum activin A levels, age, and metabolic syndrome, suggests activin A may be a biomarker of overall cardiometabolic risk; however, further studies are needed to evaluate its potential applications in assessing and managing cardiometabolic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ning Peng
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yueh Chou
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, 386 Ta-Chun 1st Rd., Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kuang Liang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, 386 Ta-Chun 1st Rd., Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ju Lee
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital Yuanshan Branch, 386 Rongguang Rd., Yuanshan Township, YiLan County 264, Taiwan
| | - Taro Kojima
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Jongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ming-Hsien Lin
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hui Loh
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Aging and Health, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, 707, Sec. 3, Chung Yang Rd., Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Kung Chen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., Taipei 11217, Taiwan.
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Increased activin A levels in prediabetes and association with carotid intima-media thickness: a cross-sectional analysis from I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9957. [PMID: 29967428 PMCID: PMC6028626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27795-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A and its binding protein follistatin may be crucial in glucose homeostasis, as multifunctional proteins mediating inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. However, clinical data on the activin A level in prediabetes, and the association between the circulating activin A level and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), are lacking. We aimed to investigate activin A and follistatin levels and their associations with cIMT. In total, 470 inhabitants of I-Lan county (235 men; mean age 69 ± 9 years) with measurements of serum activin A and follistatin levels were included. Patients with prediabetes and diabetes had significantly increased activin A concentrations compared with those in the normal glycemic group (both p < 0.001). A multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that the circulating activin A level was associated with prediabetes and diabetes independently of other risk factors. Moreover, the circulating activin A levels were associated positively with cIMT in prediabetes (rs = 0.264, p = 0.001). In conclusion, activin A level, but not follistatin, was elevated independent of demographic variables with borderline significance and was correlated positively with cIMT in prediabetes. Activin A and follistatin levels were elevated in diabetes. In addition, elevated activin A was an independent risk factor for prediabetes and diabetes.
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12
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Bornachea O, Vea A, Llorente-Cortes V. Interplay between epicardial adipose tissue, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS 2018; 30:230-239. [PMID: 29903689 DOI: 10.1016/j.arteri.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death in obese and diabetic patients. In these groups of patients, the alterations of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) contribute to both vascular and myocardial dysfunction. Therefore, it is of clinical interest to determine the mechanisms by which EAT influences cardiovascular disease. Two key factors contribute to the tight intercommunication among EAT, coronary arteries and myocardium. One is the close anatomical proximity between these tissues. The other is the capacity of EAT to secrete cytokines and other molecules with paracrine and vasocrine effects on the cardiovascular system. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that EAT thickness is associated with not only metabolic syndrome but also atherosclerosis and heart failure. The evaluation of EAT using imaging modalities, although effective, presents several disadvantages including radiation exposure, limited availability and elevated costs. Therefore, there is a clinical interest in EAT as a source of new biomarkers of cardiovascular and endocrine alterations. In this review, we revise the mechanisms involved in the protective and pathological role of EAT and present the molecules released by EAT with greater potential to become biomarkers of cardiometabolic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Bornachea
- Institute of Biomedical Research IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IibB)-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angela Vea
- Institute of Biomedical Research IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicenta Llorente-Cortes
- Institute of Biomedical Research IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IibB)-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Tsai YL, Chang CC, Liu LK, Huang PH, Chen LK, Lin SJ. The Association Between Serum Activin A Levels and Hypertension in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Analysis From I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study. Am J Hypertens 2018; 31:369-374. [PMID: 29182731 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpx185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β cytokine family, has been shown to regulate blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin system. However, the relationship between activin A and blood pressure remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine whether serum activin A levels are associated with blood pressure. METHOD A total of 470 participants of I-Lan longitudinal Aging Study (ILAS) were eligible for this study. Serum levels of activin A were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cross-sectional analyses were performed, including comparisons of demographic characteristics, hypertensive status, and activin A levels. RESULTS Among the study participants (50% men, mean age, 69 years), 236 (50.2%) were hypertensive and 234 (49.8%) were normotensive. Hypertensive patients had significantly higher serum activin A levels than normotensives (normotensive vs. hypertensive: 507 ± 169 vs. 554 ± 176 pg/ml, mean ± SD, P < 0.001). All subjects were divided into 3 tertiles on the basis of serum activin A levels. Increasing tertiles of activin A were associated with higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure (PP) (all P < 0.001). After adjusting for all the potential confounding factors, serum activin A concentration was still significantly associated with SBP (P = 0.02) and PP (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Serum activin A level was associated with SBP and PP. Further studies are required to assess their causal relationship and the clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Tsai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chin Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kuo Liu
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsun Huang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Kung Chen
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shing-Jong Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Relationship of activin A levels with clinical presentation, extent, and severity of coronary artery disease. Anatol J Cardiol 2017; 18:402-409. [PMID: 29256875 PMCID: PMC6282897 DOI: 10.14744/anatoljcardiol.2017.7935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum activin A levels with risk factors, clinical presentation, biochemical marker levels, extent, and severity of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: In total, 310 CAD patients [92 with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 111 with non-STEMI (NSTEMI), and 107 with unstable angina (UA)] and 207 healthy subjects (controls) were enrolled. Activin A levels in all participants were measured using ELISA. Angiographic measurements were performed in patients and not in the healthy subjects. Results: Activin A levels were higher in all patient groups than in controls (patients vs. controls, p=0.041; NSTEMI vs. UA, p=0.744; STEMI vs. UA, p=0.172; NSTEMI vs. STEMI, p=0.104). According to the cut-off value of activin A level, patients with high and low activin A levels had a similar distribution of clinical and biochemical variables but the prevalence of severe stenosis was observed in groups with high activin A levels. Our results revealed that activin A levels did not decrease as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (risk score increased (p=0.590). The area under the ROC curve for activin A levels in patients was 0.590±0.047 (95% CI: 0.439–0.591, p=0.193). In multiple analysis of the overall population, male gender (β=–0.260; 95% CI: –617.39 to –110.04; p=0.005) was an independent predictor of activin A levels. Conclusion: This study indicated that activin A can not be a predictive marker in CAD and is not associated with extensive and severe CAD. In contrast, the increase in activin A levels in patients, especially in patients with different clinical groups of acute coronary syndromes, suggested its involvement in atherosclerosis.
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Anastasilakis AD, Koulaxis D, Kefala N, Polyzos SA, Upadhyay J, Pagkalidou E, Economou F, Anastasilakis CD, Mantzoros CS. Circulating irisin levels are lower in patients with either stable coronary artery disease (CAD) or myocardial infarction (MI) versus healthy controls, whereas follistatin and activin A levels are higher and can discriminate MI from CAD with similar to CK-MB accuracy. Metabolism 2017; 73:1-8. [PMID: 28732565 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several myokines are produced by cardiac muscle. We investigated changes in myokine levels at the time of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and following reperfusion in relation to controls. METHODS Patients with MI (MI Group, n=31) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were compared to patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) subjected to scheduled PCI (CAD Group, n=40) and controls with symptoms mimicking CAD without stenosis in angiography (Control Group, n=43). The number and degree of stenosis were recorded. Irisin, follistatin, follistatin-like 3, activin A and B, ALT, AST, CK and CK-MB were measured at baseline and 6 or 24h after the intervention. RESULTS MI and CAD patients had lower irisin than controls (p<0.001). MI patients had higher follistatin, activin A, CK, CK-MB and AST than CAD patients and controls (all p≤0.001). None of the myokines changed following reperfusion. Circulating irisin was associated with the degree of stenosis in all patients (p=0.05). Irisin was not inferior to CK-MB in predicting MI while folistatin and activin A could discriminate MI from CAD patients with similar to CK-MB accuracy. None of these myokines was altered following PCI in contrast to CK-MB. CONCLUSIONS Irisin levels are lower in MI and CAD implying that their production may depend on myocadial blood supply. Follistatin and activin A are higher in MI than in CAD suggesting increased release due to myocardial necrosis. They can predict MI with accuracy similar to CK-MB and their role in the diagnosis of MI remains to be confirmed by prospective large clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitrios Koulaxis
- Department of Cardiology, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Kefala
- Department of Cardiology, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Cardiology, Skaraborg Hospital, Skovde, Sweden
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jagriti Upadhyay
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eirini Pagkalidou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Fotios Economou
- Department of Cardiology, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Darvishi B, Panahi Y, Ghanei M, Farahmand L. Investigating Prevalence and Pattern of Long-term Cardiovascular Disorders in Sulphur Mustard-exposed Victims and Determining Proper Biomarkers for Early Defining, Monitoring and Analysis of Patients’ Feedback on Therapy. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 120:120-130. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Behrad Darvishi
- Chemical Injuries Research Centre; Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Yunes Panahi
- Chemical Injuries Research Centre; Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Mostafa Ghanei
- Chemical Injuries Research Centre; Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Leila Farahmand
- Cancer Genetics Department; Breast Cancer Research Center; ACECR; Tehran Iran
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Abid R, Mahmood R, Santosh Kumar HS. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of ethanol extract of Cassia fistula fruit in hyperlipidemic mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2016; 54:2822-2829. [PMID: 27256804 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1185445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The plant Cassia fistula L. (Caesalpiniaceae) fruit was widely used by traditional practitioners to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in India. Hyperlipidemia is a lipid metabolism disorder and the major risk factor for the development of CVDs. Although most of the current hypolipidemic drugs are expensive and have potential side effects, the research focusing on natural alternative medicines is relevant. OBJECTIVE To investigate the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of ethanol extract of C. fistula fruit (CFE) in high-fat diet (HFD) induced hyperlipidemia in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Oral administration of CFE at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight on HFD induced hyperlipidemia mice for 30 days. The standard drug atorvastatin (20 mg/kg) was used to compare the efficacy of CFE. Hypolipidemic effect was evidenced by the measurement of serum lipid profile and further confirmed by Oil Red O staining of adipose tissue. The hepatic and cardiac melondialdehyde (MDA) level and antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were determined. RESULTS Treatment with CFE at different doses has significantly restored the levels of serum lipid, MDA and enzymes activities in the liver and heart of hyperlipidemia mice. Oil Red O staining of visceral adipose tissue has shown marked reduction of lipid accumulation in adipocytes; whereas, administration of CFE at 500 mg/kg showed remarkable (p < 0.001) hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in HFD fed mice. CONCLUSION C. fistula fruit demonstrated hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties in vivo and the results corroborate the use of this plant in traditional medicine for cardiac ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Abid
- a Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics , Jnanasahyadri, Kuvempu University , Shivamogga , Karnataka , India
| | - Riaz Mahmood
- a Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics , Jnanasahyadri, Kuvempu University , Shivamogga , Karnataka , India
| | - Hulikal Shivashankara Santosh Kumar
- a Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics , Jnanasahyadri, Kuvempu University , Shivamogga , Karnataka , India
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Lin JF, Hsu SY, Teng MS, Wu S, Hsieh CA, Jang SJ, Liu CJ, Huang HL, Ko YL. Activin A Predicts Left Ventricular Remodeling and Mortality in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. ACTA CARDIOLOGICA SINICA 2016; 32:420-7. [PMID: 27471355 DOI: 10.6515/acs20150415a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activin A levels increase in a variety of heart diseases including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study is to investigate whether the level of activin A can be beneficial in predicting left ventricular remodeling, heart failure, and death in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS We enrolled 278 patients with STEMI who had their activin A levels measured on day 2 of hospitalization. Echocardiographic studies were performed at baseline and were repeated 6 months later. Thereafter, the clinical events of these patients were followed for a maximum of 3 years, including all-cause death and readmission for heart failure. RESULTS During hospitalization, higher activin A level was associated with higher triglyceride level, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and lower left ventricular end diastolic ventricular volume index (LVEDVI) in multivariable linear regression model. During follow-up, patients with activin A levels > 129 pg/ml had significantly lower LVEF, and higher LVEDVI at 6 months. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that activin A level > 129 pg/ml was a predictor of all-cause death (p = 0.022), but not a predictor of heart failure (p = 0.767). CONCLUSIONS Activin A level > 129 pg/ml predicts worse left ventricular remodeling and all-cause death in STEMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeng-Feng Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City; ; School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien
| | - Shun-Yi Hsu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City; ; School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien
| | - Ming-Sheng Teng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City
| | - Semon Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City; ; Department of Life Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-An Hsieh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City
| | - Shih-Jung Jang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City
| | - Chih-Jen Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City
| | - Hsuan-Li Huang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City
| | - Yu-Lin Ko
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City; ; School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien
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Activin-A exerts a crucial anti-inflammatory role in neonatal infections. Pediatr Res 2013; 74:675-81. [PMID: 24002335 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2013.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activin-A is a cytokine with a critical role in infections and associated inflammation in experimental models and humans. Still, the effects of activin-A on neonatal infections remain elusive. Here, we investigated the expression of activin-A in the serum of septicemic preterm and term neonates and in peripheral blood leukocytes stimulated with inflammatory agents in vitro. The role of activin-A in the regulation of inflammatory responses by neonatal leukocytes was delineated. METHODS Peripheral blood was obtained from 37 septicemic neonates between the first and fifth days postinfection and from 35 healthy controls. Isolated monocytes and lymphocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in vitro in the presence of activin-A. Cell proliferation, cytokine, and chemokine release were investigated. RESULTS Activin-A was significantly increased in the serum of preterm septicemic neonates. Neonatal leukocytes secreted copious amounts of activin-A following stimulation, pointing to these cells as an essential source of activin-A in the circulation. Of note, treatment of neonatal leukocytes with activin-A during PHA and LPS stimulation resulted in significantly decreased interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and CXCL8 production, concomitant with a striking increase in the anti-inflammatory mediator, IL-10. CONCLUSION Our findings uncover activin-A as a novel immunomodulatory agent critical for the control of inflammatory responses in septicemic neonates.
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Chen WJY, Greulich S, van der Meer RW, Rijzewijk LJ, Lamb HJ, de Roos A, Smit JWA, Romijn JA, Ruige JB, Lammertsma AA, Lubberink M, Diamant M, Ouwens DM. Activin A is associated with impaired myocardial glucose metabolism and left ventricular remodeling in patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2013; 12:150. [PMID: 24134550 PMCID: PMC4015886 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2840-12-150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Activin A released from epicardial adipose tissue has been linked to contractile dysfunction and insulin resistance in cardiomyocytes. This study investigated the role of activin A in clinical diabetic cardiomyopathy by assessing whether circulating activin A levels associate with cardiometabolic parameters in men with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the effects of treatment with pioglitazone versus metformin on these associations. Methods Seventy-eight men with uncomplicated T2D and fourteen healthy men with comparable age were included, in this randomized, double-blind, active comparator intervention study. All T2D men were on glimipiride monotherapy, and randomized to a 24-week intervention with either pioglitazone or metformin. Cardiac dimensions and -function were measured using magnetic resonance imaging, whilst myocardial glucose metabolism (MMRglu) was determined using [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Results Circulating activin A levels were comparable in T2D men and controls. Activin A levels were independently inversely associated with MMRglu, and positively with left ventricular mass/volume (LVMV)-ratio in T2D men. Intervention with metformin decreased activin A levels, whereas pioglitazone did not alter activin A levels. The changes in plasma activin A levels were not correlated with the changes in MMRglu following either pioglitazone or metformin treatment. A borderline significant correlation (p = 0.051) of changes in plasma activin A levels and changes in LVMV-ratio was observed after pioglitazone treatment. Conclusions Circulating activin A levels are associated with impaired myocardial glucose metabolism and high LVMV-ratio in patients with uncomplicated T2D, reflecting a potential detrimental role in early human diabetic cardiomyopathy. Trial registration number Current Controlled Trials SRCTN53177482
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - D Margriet Ouwens
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Ueland T, Aukrust P, Aakhus S, Smith C, Endresen K, Birkeland KI, Gullestad L, Johansen OE. Activin A and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diab Vasc Dis Res 2012; 9:234-7. [PMID: 22234949 DOI: 10.1177/1479164111431171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silent coronary artery disease is a frequent complication of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Based on its multiple roles in inflammation, atherogenesis and glucose homeostasis, we hypothesised that activin A could be related to coronary atherosclerosis in T2DM. METHODS Activin A and follistatin were measured in 102 patients with T2DM and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Coronary angiography was performed in a sub-population of patients and associations with activin A were examined using multiple linear regression. RESULTS Serum activin A and the activin A/follistatin ratio were increased in patients with T2DM and coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with healthy volunteers and the elevated activin A was associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerotic burden as determined by the proportion of ≥2 vessel disease (p = 0.035) after multivariable-adjusted trend analysis. No significant association between presence of CAD or extent score and activin A was observed. CONCLUSION In patients with T2DM, increased activin A may reflect chronic underlying pathophysiological processes involved in development of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thor Ueland
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Norway.
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Lokki AI, Klemetti MM, Heino S, Hiltunen L, Heinonen S, Laivuori H. Association of the rs1424954 polymorphism of the ACVR2A gene with the risk of pre-eclampsia is not replicated in a Finnish study population. BMC Res Notes 2011; 4:545. [PMID: 22177086 PMCID: PMC3267796 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-4-545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia is a common vascular pregnancy disorder associated with high maternal and infant mortality and morbidity worldwide. The role of Activin A and more recently type 2 Activin A receptor (ACVR2A) in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia has been the subject of genetic and biochemical research with controversial results. FINDINGS We genotyped a candidate pre-eclampsia-associated single nucleotide polymorphism rs1424954 in ACVR2A in three independent study populations of Finnish pre-eclamptic (total N = 485) and non-pre-eclamptic (total N = 449) women using pre-designed TaqMan allele discrimination assay and polymerase chain reaction. The possible association of the alleles and genotypes of interest with pre-eclampsia was evaluated using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. We found no association of rs1424954 to pre-eclampsia in Finnish patients. CONCLUSIONS rs1424954 was not associated to pre-eclampsia in the Finnish study population. We hypothesise that while the gene associates to pre-eclampsia worldwide, the causative polymorphism in ACVR2A may be unique in genetically differing populations. Further research is needed to characterise the haplotype structure of ACVR2A in order for the causative genetic variant to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Inkeri Lokki
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P,O, Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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Pattern of activin A and follistatin release in a sheep model of cardiopulmonary bypass. Cytokine 2011; 54:154-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Andersen GØ, Ueland T, Knudsen EC, Scholz H, Yndestad A, Sahraoui A, Smith C, Lekva T, Otterdal K, Halvorsen B, Seljeflot I, Aukrust P. Activin A levels are associated with abnormal glucose regulation in patients with myocardial infarction: potential counteracting effects of activin A on inflammation. Diabetes 2011; 60:1544-51. [PMID: 21464440 PMCID: PMC3292329 DOI: 10.2337/db10-1493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE On the basis of the role of activin A in inflammation, atherogenesis, and glucose homeostasis, we investigated whether activin A could be related to glucometabolic abnormalities in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Activin A measurement and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed in patients (n = 115) with acute MI, without previously known diabetes, and repeated after 3 months. Release of activin A and potential anti-inflammatory effects of activin A were measured in human endothelial cells. Activin A effects on insulin secretion and inflammation were tested in human pancreatic islet cells. RESULTS 1) In patients with acute MI, serum levels of activin A were significantly higher in those with abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) compared with those with normal glucose regulation. Activin A levels were associated with the presence of AGR 3 months later (adjusted odds ratio 5.1 [95% CI 1.73-15.17], P = 0.003). 2) In endothelial cells, glucose enhanced the release of activin A, whereas activin A attenuated the release of interleukin (IL)-8 and enhanced the mRNA levels of the antioxidant metallothionein. 3) In islet cells, activin A attenuated the suppressive effect of inflammatory cytokines on insulin release, counteracted the ability of these inflammatory cytokines to induce mRNA expression of IL-8, and induced the expression of transforming growth factor-β. CONCLUSIONS We found a significant association between activin A and newly detected AGR in patients with acute MI. Our in vitro findings suggest that this association represents a counteracting mechanism to protect against inflammation, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Ø Andersen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.
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Wykrzykowska JJ, Garcia-Garcia HM, Goedhart D, Zalewski A, Serruys PW. Differential protein biomarker expression and their time-course in patients with a spectrum of stable and unstable coronary syndromes in the Integrated Biomarker and Imaging Study-1 (IBIS-1). Int J Cardiol 2011; 149:10-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Revised: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 11/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Takagi K, Kawaguchi Y, Kawamoto M, Ota Y, Tochimoto A, Gono T, Katsumata Y, Takagi M, Hara M, Yamanaka H. Activation of the activin A-ALK-Smad pathway in systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun 2011; 36:181-8. [PMID: 21377836 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by multiple tissue fibrosis. Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) is thought to be the most important mediator that induces fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms by which fibrosis is induced have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the role of activin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, was investigated in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in SSc. Serum activin A levels in patients with SSc were measured by ELISA, and the expression of the activin receptor type IB (ACVRIB/ALK4) and the activity of the signaling pathway via ACVRIB/ALK4 were investigated using western blotting. To evaluate a potential therapeutic strategy for SSc, we also attenuated the ACVRIB/ALK4 pathway using an inhibitor. Serum activin A levels were significantly higher in SSc patients than in normal controls. Activin A and ACVRIB/ALK4 expression were also higher in cultured SSc fibroblasts. Activin A stimulation induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and CTGF expression in SSc fibroblasts. Procollagen production and Col1α mRNA also increased upon stimulation by activin A. The basal level of Smad2/3 phosphorylation was higher in cultured SSc fibroblasts than in control cells, and treatment with the ALK4/5 inhibitor SB431542 prevented phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and CTGF expression. Furthermore, production of collagen was also induced by activin A. Activin A-ACVRIB/ALK4-Smad-dependent collagen production was augmented in SSc fibroblasts, suggesting the involvement of this signaling mechanism in SSc. Inhibition of the activin A-ACVRIB/ALK4-Smad pathway would be a new approach for the treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kae Takagi
- Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 10-22 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0054, Japan
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Ebert S, Nau R, Michel U. Role of activin in bacterial infections: a potential target for immunointervention? Immunotherapy 2010; 2:673-84. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe bacterial infections such as sepsis and meningitis still kill or severely injure people despite the use of bactericidal antibiotics. Therefore, new strategies for a better therapy are needed. Activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily and its binding protein follistatin (FS) are released by various cell types during acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Until now, a clear definition of conditions in which activin A exerts either its pro- or anti-inflammatory functions is lacking. The activin/FS-system participates in the fine-tuning of the host’s inflammatory response upon infectious stimuli. This response is on the one hand necessary for fighting pathogens, but on the other hand can negatively affect the host. This article focuses on the role of activin A and FS in infection and after acute inflammatory stimuli. The therapeutic potentials of blocking or promoting activin actions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roland Nau
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen-Weende, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Michel
- Department of Neurology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Abdipranoto-Cowley A, Park JS, Croucher D, Daniel J, Henshall S, Galbraith S, Mervin K, Vissel B. Activin A is essential for neurogenesis following neurodegeneration. Stem Cells 2009; 27:1330-46. [PMID: 19489097 PMCID: PMC2733378 DOI: 10.1002/stem.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
It has long been proposed that excitotoxicity contributes to nerve cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is expressed by neurons following excitotoxicity. We show for the first time that this activin A expression is essential for neurogenesis to proceed following neurodegeneration. We found that intraventricular infusion of activin A increased the number of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1 layers of the normal adult hippocampus and also, following lipopolysaccharide administration, had a potent inhibitory effect on gliosis in vivo and on microglial proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Consistent with the role of activin A in regulating central nervous system inflammation and neurogenesis, intraventricular infusion of follistatin, an activin A antagonist, profoundly impaired neurogenesis and increased the number of microglia and reactive astrocytes following onset of kainic acid-induced neurodegeneration. These results show that inhibiting endogenous activin A is permissive for a potent underlying inflammatory response to neurodegeneration. We demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory actions of activin A account for its neurogenic effects following neurodegeneration because co-administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reversed follistatin's inhibitory effects on neurogenesis in vivo. Our work indicates that activin A, perhaps working in conjunction with other transforming growth factor-β superfamily molecules, is essential for neurogenesis in the adult central nervous system following excitotoxic neurodegeneration and suggests that neurons can regulate regeneration by suppressing the inflammatory response, a finding with implications for understanding and treating acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent studies suggest that activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily, is involved in the pathogenesis of liver disorders. We sought to explore its possible role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS Serum levels of activin A and its natural inhibitor, follistatin, were measured in patients with NAFLD (n=70) and in control subjects (n=30). Gene expression was quantified in liver biopsies obtained from patients with NAFLD (n=13) and controls (n=6). Effects of activin A were examined in Huh7 (human hepatoma cell line) hepatocytes. RESULTS Patients with NAFLD had significantly elevated serum levels of activin A and follistatin compared with healthy controls. In patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, n=38), there were particularly high levels of activin A that were significantly related to the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Liver biopsies from NAFLD patients showed a markedly increased activin A-follistatin mRNA ratio, indicating increased hepatic activin A activity. In hepatocytes, activin A enhanced the expression of collagen and TGF-beta(1), promoted matrix metalloproteinase activity, induced mitochondrial beta-oxidation, downregulated fatty acid (FA) synthase activity, promoted decreased weight percentage of saturated FAs, and altered the composition of polyunsaturated FAs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the complex role of activin A in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, involving effects on fibrosis and lipid accumulation.
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Abstract
Activin was discovered in the 1980s as a gonadal protein that stimulated FSH release from pituitary gonadotropes and was thought of as a reproductive hormone. In the ensuing decades, many additional activities of activin were described and it was found to be produced in a wide variety of cell types at nearly all stages of development. Its signaling and actions are regulated intracellularly and by extracellular antagonists. Over the past 5 years, a number of important advances have been made that clarify our understanding of the structural basis for signaling and regulation, as well as the biological roles of activin in stem cells, embryonic development and in adults. These include the crystallization of activin in complex with the activin type II receptor ActRIIB, or with the binding proteins follistatin and follistatin-like 3, as well as identification of activin's roles in gonadal sex development, follicle development, luteolysis, beta-cell proliferation and function in the islet, stem cell pluripotency and differentiation into different cell types and in immune cells. These advances are reviewed to provide perspective for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Xia
- Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Yndestad A, Larsen KO, Øie E, Ueland T, Smith C, Halvorsen B, Sjaastad I, Skjønsberg OH, Pedersen TM, Anfinsen OG, Damås JK, Christensen G, Aukrust P, Andreassen AK. Elevated levels of activin A in clinical and experimental pulmonary hypertension. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2009; 106:1356-64. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.90719.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, is involved in regulation of tissue remodeling and inflammation. Herein, we wanted to explore a role for activin A in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Circulating levels of activin A and its binding protein follistatin were measured in patients with PH ( n = 47) and control subjects ( n = 14). To investigate synthesis and localization of pulmonary activin A, we utilized an experimental model of hypoxia-induced PH. In mouse lungs, we also explored signaling pathways that can be activated by activin A, such as phosphorylation of Smads, which are mediators of TGF-β signaling. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms initiated by activin A were explored by exposing pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in culture to this cytokine. Elevated levels of activin A and follistatin were found in patients with PH, and activin A levels were significantly related to mortality. Immunohistochemistry of lung autopsies from PH patients and lungs with experimental PH localized activin A primarily to alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. Mice with PH exhibited increased pulmonary levels of mRNA for activin A and follistatin in the lungs, and also elevated pulmonary levels of phosphorylated Smad2. Finally, we found that activin A increased proliferation and induced gene expression of endothelin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, mediators that could contribute to vascular remodeling. Our findings in both clinical and experimental studies suggest a role for activin A in the development of various types of PH.
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Phillips DJ, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Activin and related proteins in inflammation: not just interested bystanders. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2009; 20:153-64. [PMID: 19261538 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2009.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is released rapidly into the circulation during inflammation. This review examines the evidence that activin is a critical mediator of inflammation and immunity. Activin modulates several aspects of the inflammatory response, including release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide production and immune cell activity. Crucially, inhibiting activin with follistatin, a high affinity binding protein, alters the pattern of cytokines released and improves survival in a mouse model of endotoxic shock. Serum and tissue concentrations of activin are elevated in a wide range of pathological conditions. The utility of activin as a diagnostic marker of clinical inflammation and the use of follistatin to block activin actions therapeutically are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Phillips
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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Measurement of activin A in acute myocardial infarction: Is there a clinical role? Clin Chim Acta 2009; 401:1-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2008.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Relationship between activin A level and infarct size in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing successful primary coronary intervention. Clin Chim Acta 2009; 401:3-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2008.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2008] [Revised: 08/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Roten LT, Johnson MP, Forsmo S, Fitzpatrick E, Dyer TD, Brennecke SP, Blangero J, Moses EK, Austgulen R. Association between the candidate susceptibility gene ACVR2A on chromosome 2q22 and pre-eclampsia in a large Norwegian population-based study (the HUNT study). Eur J Hum Genet 2008; 17:250-7. [PMID: 18781190 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2008.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide scans in Icelandic, Australian/New Zealand and Finnish pedigrees have provided evidence for maternal susceptibility loci for pre-eclampsia on chromosome 2, although at different positions (Iceland: 2p13 and 2q23, Australia/New Zealand: 2p11-12 and 2q22, Finland: 2p25). In this project, a large population-based (n=65 000) nested case-control study was performed in Norway to further explore the association between positional candidate genes on chromosome 2q and pre-eclampsia, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). DNA samples from 1139 cases (women with one or more pre-eclamptic pregnancies) and 2269 controls (women with normal pregnancies) were genotyped using the Applied Biosystems SNPlex high-throughput genotyping assay. In total, 71 SNPs within positional candidate genes at 2q22-23 locus on chromosome 2 were genotyped in each individual. Genotype data were statistically analysed with the sequential oligogenic linkage analysis routines (SOLAR) computer package. Nominal evidence of association was found for six SNPs (rs1014064, rs17742134, rs1424941, rs2161983, rs3768687 and rs3764955) within the activin receptor type 2 gene (ACVR2A) (all P-values <0.05). The non-independence of statistical tests due to linkage disequilibrium between SNPs at a false discovery rate of 5% identifies our four best SNPs (rs1424941, rs1014064, rs2161983 and rs3768687) to remain statistically significant. The fact that populations with different ancestors (Iceland/Norway-Australia/New Zealand) demonstrate a common maternal pre-eclampsia susceptibility locus on chromosome 2q22-23, may suggest a general role of this locus, and possibly the ACVR2A gene, in pre-eclampsia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda T Roten
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
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Zhang HJ, Liu ZH, Chen FF, Ma D, Zhou J, Tai GX. Activin receptor-interacting protein 2 expression and its biological function in mouse hepatocytes. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2008; 16:350-355. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v16.i4.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the activin receptor-interacting protein 2 (ARIP2) expression and its biological function in hepatocytes.
METHODS: Expression of ARIP2 in mouse liver tissue and hepatoma cell line Hepal-6 cells was detected by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and cytochemical staining. Effect of ARIP2 on activin-induced gene transcription was analyzed using CAGA-lux plasmid. Effect of over-expression of ARIP2 on the proliferation of Hepal-6 cells was assayed with MTT method.
RESULTS: ARIP2 was expressed in mouse liver tissue and Hepal-6 cells. The expression of ARIP2 in activin A-stimulated Hepal-6 cells was increased in a time-dependent manner, and peaked at 24 h. There was a significant difference in the expression level of ARIP2 on Hepal-6 cells at 12 and 24 h in contrast with the control group (1.01 ± 0.16, 1.62 ± 0.26 vs 0.82 ± 0.11, P < 0.05, P < 0.01). pcDNA3-ARIP2-transfected Hepal-6 cells obviously suppressed the gene transcription induced by activin A. MTT assay displayed that activin A (5 μg/L and 10 μg/L) remarkably inhibited the proliferation of Hepal-6 cells, the A570 nm value was 1.59 ± 0.03 and 1.49 ± 0.04 vs 1.79±0.07, respectively (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). ARIP2 over-expression in Hepal-6 cells significantly blocked the inhibitory effects of activin A (5 μg/L and 10 μg/L) on the proliferation of Hepal-6 cells.
CONCLUSION: ARIP2 can be expected to become a regulation target of genes in treatment of liver injury induced by activin.
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Activin as an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced by microglia. J Neuroimmunol 2007; 192:31-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2007.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2007] [Revised: 08/20/2007] [Accepted: 08/27/2007] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Ebert S, Phillips DJ, Jenzewski P, Nau R, O'Connor AE, Michel U. Activin A concentrations in human cerebrospinal fluid are age-dependent and elevated in meningitis. J Neurol Sci 2006; 250:50-7. [PMID: 16920154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2006.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2006] [Revised: 06/06/2006] [Accepted: 06/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Activin A, and its binding protein, follistatin (FS), are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). We have previously shown elevated concentrations of FS in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with meningitis and increased concentrations of activin A in the CSF of rabbits with bacterial meningitis. METHODS We measured CSF and serum concentrations of activin A and FS in normal subjects and in patients with various neurological diseases using previously validated immunoassays specific for activin A or FS. RESULTS In healthy persons, serum concentrations of both activin A and FS were age-dependent. In CSF, concentrations of activin A ranged from 0.03 to 0.33 ng/ml and were strongly correlated with age in both sexes, whereas FS CSF concentrations were below the assay detection limit in most of the patients. Activin A concentrations in CSF of patients with various neurological diseases, including meningitis, chronic inflammatory CNS diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, tumors in the CNS, cerebral ischemia, intracerebral/subarachnoid hemorrhages, subdural hemorrhages and epileptic seizures, were compared with age- and sex-matched control patients. The comparisons revealed significantly elevated concentrations of activin A in patients with meningitis (P=0.017). Serum concentrations of activin A or FS were not affected by any of the neurological diseases examined. CONCLUSIONS Our results show for the first time that in normal subjects concentrations of activin A in CSF are correlated with age, and furthermore, that activin A CSF concentrations are elevated in patients with meningitis. The latter underlines a role for activin A in acute inflammatory processes within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ebert
- Department of Neurology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Scholz H, Sandberg W, Damås JK, Smith C, Andreassen AK, Gullestad L, Frøland SS, Yndestad A, Aukrust P, Halvorsen B. Enhanced plasma levels of LIGHT in unstable angina: possible pathogenic role in foam cell formation and thrombosis. Circulation 2005; 112:2121-9. [PMID: 16186421 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.105.544676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of oxidized LDL [(ox)LDL] to promote an inflammatory response in macrophages. Several inflammatory mediators have been reported to increase after oxLDL stimulation of such cells, but their relative importance is still unknown. In the present study, we used microarrays to identify genes in THP-1 macrophages that were upregulated by oxLDL. METHODS AND RESULTS Our main findings were as follows. In a microarray screening experiment, we identified LIGHT, a ligand in the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, as one of the genes that were markedly upregulated in oxLDL-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. We showed significantly raised plasma levels of LIGHT in patients with stable angina (n=40) and particularly in those with unstable angina (n=40) compared with healthy controls (n=20), which underscores the clinical relevance of the in vitro finding. We also showed that LIGHT enhanced lipid accumulation in oxLDL-stimulated THP-1 macrophages, possibly through upregulation of class A scavenger receptor (SR-A). This increased lipid accumulation was accompanied by enhanced expression of tissue factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, as well as enhanced thrombin formation, transforming macrophages into a prothrombotic phenotype. The LIGHT-mediated increase in SR-A, tissue factor, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 was also seen in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Finally, the LIGHT-mediated enhancement of SR-A and TF expression appears to involve nuclear factor-kappaB activation. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that LIGHT could serve as a molecular link between lipid metabolism, inflammation, and thrombus formation, which are all features of atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Scholz
- Research Institute for Internal Medicine, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Kofler S, Nickel T, Weis M. Role of cytokines in cardiovascular diseases: a focus on endothelial responses to inflammation. Clin Sci (Lond) 2005; 108:205-13. [PMID: 15540988 DOI: 10.1042/cs20040174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Complex cellular and inflammatory interactions are involved in the progress of vascular diseases. Endothelial cells, upon exposure to cytokines, undergo profound alterations of function that involve gene expression and de novo protein synthesis. The functional reprogramming of endothelial cells by cytokines is of importance especially in patients with chronic vascular inflammation. The intercellular network of dendritic cells, T-lymphocytes, macrophages and smooth muscle cells generates a variety of stimulatory cytokines [e.g. TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha), IL (interleukin)-1, IL-6 and IFN-gamma (interferon-gamma)] and growth factors that promote the development of functional and structural vascular changes. High concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines increase oxidative stress, down-regulate eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) bioactivity and induce endothelial cell apoptosis. Chemoattractant cytokines [e.g. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), TGF-beta1 (transforming growth factor-beta1) and IL-8] are important regulators of inflammation-induced angiogenesis and are directly modulated by nitric oxide. This review will focus on the vascular mechanisms orchestrated by cytokines and summarizes the current knowledge concerning the contribution of cytokines to cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sieglinde Kofler
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Munich-Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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