Vascular calcification and cellular signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets

Phospholipids and their metabolites as diagnostic biomarkers of human diseases

Phospholipids that occur predominantly in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells are phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), sphingomyelin (SM), and phosphatidylinositol (or phosphoinositide; PI). These membrane phospholipids are a promising source of disease-related biomarkers. Phospholipids and their metabolites are altered by the type of disease or disease progression. Metabolomics has shown that increased or decreased levels of altered phospholipids and their metabolites can be useful indicators for the diagnosis of various human diseases. In this review, we discuss the utility of the five major membrane phospholipids (PC, PS, PE, and SM, and PI) and their metabolites as diagnostic biomarkers of human diseases.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivities of Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi) polysaccharides: A review

Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi) polysaccharide (FZP) is a key bioactive macromolecule derived from the root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx. FZP has a variety of biological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, anti-depressant, organ-protective, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and other activities. The biological activities of polysaccharides are closely related to their structures, and different extraction and purification methods will yield different polysaccharide structures. In this review, we summarized the advancements in FZP research, including extraction techniques, biological activities, and mechanism to provide basic reference for developing and applying as therapeutic agents and functional foods. At the same time, the shortcomings of FZP research are discussed in depth, and the potential development prospects and future research direction are prospected.

RANBP1 Regulates NOTCH3-Mediated Autophagy in High Glucose-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

BACKGROUND

Vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) phenotypic switching under hyperglycemic conditions accelerates atherosclerotic progression. Notch receptor 3(NOTCH3), a critical stabilizer of VSMC homeostasis implicated in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) pathogenesis, ensures vascular integrity; however, its interplay with RAN Binding Protein 1(RANBP1) during pathological hyperglycemia remains uncharacterized. We hypothesize that hyperglycemia-induced autophagic dysregulation is mechanistically governed by theNotch receptor 3 (NOTCH3)/RANBP1 axis, proliferative capacity, and apoptotic signaling in high glucose (HG)-stimulated VSMCs. The aim of this study was to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy in VSMCs under HG conditions, with a focus on the NOTCH3/RANBP1 axis and its implications for vascular health.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was performed on NOTCH3 sequencing data, including weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), screening of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, to identify the key gene, RANBP1. In vitro experiments, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting (WB), and flow cytometry, were conducted to examine the effects of NOTCH3 knockdown combined with RANBP1 overexpression on glucose-induced autophagy marker expression and cell viability in VSMCs.

RESULTS

NOTCH3 knockdown suppressed VSMC proliferation and induced apoptosis, and the cell cycle was stopped at the S phase. Analysis of VSMC sequencing data revealed 38 overlapping genes between the turquoise module and DEGs, 11 (HPF1, RANBP1, CRNKL1, LGALS3, RDX, ECM1, CXCL5, PA2G4, CENPS, ZNF830, and HIST1H4L) of which were significantly underexpressed in VSMC samples with si-NOTCH3. In a dose-dependent manner, HG therapy altered the expression of autophagy-related markers, upregulated NOTCH3, and downregulated phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR). Downregulation of NOTCH3 aggravated the effects of HG on cell viability and autophagy, whereas overexpression of RANBP1 reversed these effects, suggesting an offsetting effect on HG-induced autophagy.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of sequencing technology, bioinformatics analysis and cell experiments, we conclude that the RANBP1/NOTCH3 axis is essential for the control of autophagy and survival of VSMCs under hyperglycemic stress and could provide new insight for the clinical treatment of VSMC-related diseases.

Extracellular Regucalcin: A Potent Suppressor in the Cancer Cell Microenvironment

The regucalcin gene is located on the X chromosome, comprising seven exons and six introns. This gene and protein are expressed in various tissues and cells and is predominantly expressed in human liver, kidney, and adrenal tissues. Regucalcin gene expression is enhanced via a mechanism mediated by several signaling molecules and transcription factors. Regucalcin plays a multifunctional role in cellular regulation in maintaining cell homeostasis. In addition, regucalcin has been implicated in several metabolic disorders and diseases. In particular, regucalcin plays a role as a novel suppressor in several types of cancer patients. Increased expression of regucalcin suppresses the growth of human cancer cells, suggesting its pivotal role in suppressing tumor development. The survival time of cancer patients is prolonged with increased expression of regucalcin in the tumor tissues. The adhesion, migration, invasion, and bone metastatic activity of cancer cells are blocked by the overexpression of regucalcin, promoting dormancy in cancer patients. Interestingly, regucalcin is also found in human serum, suggesting its character as a novel biomarker in various diseases. This extracellular regucalcin has been shown to suppress human cancer cells' growth and bone metastatic activity. Thus, extracellular regucalcin may play a vital role as a suppressor of human cancer activity. Alteration of the serum regucalcin levels in physiological and pathophysiological conditions may influence the activity of cancer cells in the microenvironment. This review will discuss the potential role of extracellular regucalcin in cancer cell activity as a critical suppressor in the cancer microenvironment.

Role of macrophages in vascular calcification: From the perspective of homeostasis

Vascular calcification (VC) is a crucial risk factor for the high morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. With the global population aging, the incidence of VC is escalating annually. However, due to its silent clinical process, VC often results in irreversible clinical outcomes. Inflammation is a core element in the VC process, and macrophages are the major inflammatory cells. Due to their diverse origins, microenvironments, and polarization states, macrophages exhibit significant heterogeneity, exerting strong effects on the occurrence, development, and even the regression of VC. In this review, we summarize the origin, distribution, classification, and surface markers of macrophages. Simultaneously, we explore the mechanisms by which macrophages maintain homeostasis or regulate inflammation, including the macrophage-mediated regulation of VC through the release of inflammatory factors, osteogenic genes, extracellular vesicles, and alterations in efferocytosis. Finally, we discuss research targeting inflammation and macrophages to develop novel therapeutic regimens for preventing and treating VC.

Danlian-Tongmai formula improves diabetic vascular calcification by regulating CCN3/NOTCH signal axis to inhibit inflammatory reaction

Background

Vascular calcification (VC) commonly occurs in diabetes and is associated with cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. Currently, there is no drug treatment for VC. The Danlian-Tongmai formula (DLTM) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription used for diabetic VC (DVC), but its mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the effects of DLTM on DVC and explore the underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was used to identify the metabolites of DLTM. A DVC rat model was established using streptozotocin (STZ) combined with vitamin D3 (VitD3). The effects of DLTM on DVC were evaluated through alizarin red staining, calcium deposition, and changes in osteogenic and contractile markers. The specific molecular mechanism of DLTM in treating diabetic VC was comprehensively analyzed by transcriptomics, molecular docking and in vivo experimental verification.

Results

We identified 108 major metabolites of DLTM. In vivo, high-dose DLTM significantly alleviated VC in diabetic rats. Transcriptomic analysis showed that DLTM treatment markedly altered the transcriptomic profile of rat aortas, which was associated with regulating the CCN3/NOTCH signaling pathway, promoting vascular smooth muscle contraction, and inhibiting the inflammatory responses. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated strong binding interactions between DLTM metabolites and key molecules within the CCN3/NOTCH pathway, including NOTCH1, DLL1, DLL4, hes1, and hey1. In vivo experiments confirmed that DLTM could upregulate CCN3, inhibit the activation of NOTCH signaling ligands DLL1 and downstream transcription factors hes1 and hey1, and reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines IL6, IL1β, and TNFα.

Conclusion

DLTM alleviates DVC by regulating the CCN3/NOTCH signaling axis to inhibit inflammatory responses. Our research provides experimental basis for clinical treatment and drug transformation of diabetic VC.

Endothelial cell Ass1 inhibits arteriosclerotic calcification in diabetes mellitus

Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is an important pathological feature of early calcification in diabetic plaques. Argininosuccinic synthase 1 (Ass1) is important in protecting EC activity. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of endothelial Ass1 on calcification in diabetic plaques and its potential regulatory mechanism. In this study, serum Ass1 levels were measured in 84 patients, and the study showed that the serum Ass1 level in patients with diabetes was significantly decreased compared with the non-diabetic group, and the serum Ass1 level in patients with coronary artery calcification was significantly decreased compared with the non-coronary artery calcification group. The ApoE-/- mouse diabetic plaque calcification model and the mouse aortic endothelial cell (MAEC) calcification model were constructed, and the influence of endothelial cell Ass1 on diabetic plaque calcification was further investigated by adeno-associated virus and plasmid intervention. Molecular biology studies have shown that endothelial Ass1 overexpression can reduce plaque calcification and inhibit MAEC osteogenic differentiation in diabetic mice, and Ass1 has protective effects on EC and blood vessels in mice. 4D-label-free proteomic sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and IP experiments were performed on ApoE-/- mouse aorta after adeno-associated virus intervention. It was found that the differential protein Ptk2b was closely related to vascular calcification (VC) and interacted with the target protein Ass1. The above studies indicate that endothelial Ass1 affects calcification formation in diabetic plaques, and the mechanism may be related to Ptk2b. Ass1 may be a new target for the treatment of diabetic VC.

Nesfatin-1 enhances vascular smooth muscle calcification through facilitating BMP-2 osteogenic signaling

Vascular calcification (VC) arises from the accumulation of calcium salts in the intimal or tunica media layer of the aorta, contributing to higher risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Despite this, the mechanisms driving VC remain incompletely understood. We previously described that nesfatin-1 functioned as a switch for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plasticity in hypertension and neointimal hyperplasia. In this study, we sought to investigate the role and mechanism of nesfatin-1 in VC. The expression of nesfatin-1 was measured in calcified VSMCs and aortas, as well as in patients. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments were evaluated the roles of nesfatin-1 in VC pathogenesis. The transcription activation of nesfatin-1 was detected using a mass spectrometry. We found higher levels of nesfatin-1 in both calcified VSMCs and aortas, as well as in patients with coronary calcification. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments revealed that nesfatin-1 was a key regulator of VC by facilitating the osteogenic transformation of VSMCs. Mechanistically, nesfatin-1 promoted the de-ubiquitination and stability of BMP-2 via inhibiting the E3 ligase SYTL4, and the interaction of nesfatin-1 with BMP-2 potentiated BMP-2 signaling and induced phosphorylation of Smad, followed by HDAC4 phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion. The dissociation of HDAC4 from RUNX2 elicited RUNX2 acetylation and subsequent nuclear translocation, leading to the transcription upregulation of OPN, a critical player in VC. From a small library of natural compounds, we identified that Curculigoside and Chebulagic acid reduced VC development via binding to and inhibiting nesfatin-1. Eventually, we designed a mass spectrometry-based DNA-protein interaction screening to identify that STAT3 mediated the transcription activation of nesfatin-1 in the context of VC. Overall, our study demonstrates that nesfatin-1 enhances BMP-2 signaling by inhibiting the E3 ligase SYTL4, thereby stabilizing BMP-2 and facilitating the downstream phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/9 and HDAC4. This signaling cascade leads to RUNX2 activation and the transcriptional upregulation of MSX2, driving VC. These insights position nesfatin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing or treating VC, advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this critical cardiovascular condition.

Toll-like receptor 3 involvement in vascular function

Maintaining endothelial cell (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) integrity is an important component of human health and disease because both EC and VSMC regulate various functions, including vascular tone control, cellular adhesion, homeostasis and thrombosis regulation, proliferation, and vascular inflammation. Diverse stressors affect functions in both ECs and VSMCs and abnormalities of functions in these cells play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease initiation and progression. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important detectors of pathogen-associated molecular patterns derived from various microbes and viruses as well as damage-associated molecular patterns derived from damaged cells and perform innate immune responses. Among TLRs, several studies reveal that TLR3 plays a key role in initiation, development and/or protection of diseases, and an emerging body of evidence indicates that TLR3 presents components of the vasculature, including ECs and VSMCs, and plays a functional role. An agonist of TLR3, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)], affects ECs, including cell death, inflammation, chemoattractant, adhesion, permeability, and hemostasis. Poly (I:C) also affects VSMCs including inflammation, proliferation, and modulation of vascular tone. Moreover, alterations of vascular function induced by certain molecules and/or interventions are exerted through TLR3 signaling. Hence, we present the association between TLR3 and vascular function according to the latest studies.

Vascular Impairment, Muscle Atrophy, and Cognitive Decline: Critical Age-Related Conditions

The triad of vascular impairment, muscle atrophy, and cognitive decline represents critical age-related conditions that significantly impact health. Vascular impairment disrupts blood flow, precipitating the muscle mass reduction seen in sarcopenia and the decline in neuronal function characteristic of neurodegeneration. Our limited understanding of the intricate relationships within this triad hinders accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies. This review analyzes the interrelated mechanisms that contribute to these conditions, with a specific focus on oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and impaired nutrient delivery. The aim is to understand the common pathways involved and to suggest comprehensive therapeutic approaches. Vascular dysfunctions hinder the circulation of blood and the transportation of nutrients, resulting in sarcopenia characterized by muscle atrophy and weakness. Vascular dysfunction and sarcopenia have a negative impact on physical function and quality of life. Neurodegenerative diseases exhibit comparable pathophysiological mechanisms that affect cognitive and motor functions. Preventive and therapeutic approaches encompass lifestyle adjustments, addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and integrated therapies that focus on improving vascular and muscular well-being. Better understanding of these links can refine therapeutic strategies and yield better patient outcomes. This study emphasizes the complex interplay between vascular dysfunction, muscle degeneration, and cognitive decline, highlighting the necessity for multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Advances in this domain promise improved diagnostic accuracy, more effective therapeutic options, and enhanced preventive measures, all contributing to a higher quality of life for the elderly population.

Comprehensive Review on Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation and Its Application in Deciphering Protein-Protein Interactions in Cell Signaling Pathways

Signaling pathways are responsible for transmitting information between cells and regulating cell growth, differentiation, and death. Proteins in cells form complexes by interacting with each other through specific structural domains, playing a crucial role in various biological functions and cell signaling pathways. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) within cell signaling pathways are essential for signal transmission and regulation. The spatiotemporal features of PPIs in signaling pathways are crucial for comprehending the regulatory mechanisms of signal transduction. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) is one kind of imaging tool for the direct visualization of PPIs in living cells and has been widely utilized to uncover novel PPIs in various organisms. BiFC demonstrates significant potential for application in various areas of biological research, drug development, disease diagnosis and treatment, and other related fields. This review systematically summarizes and analyzes the technical advancement of BiFC and its utilization in elucidating PPIs within established cell signaling pathways, including TOR, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and MAPK. Additionally, it explores the application of this technology in revealing PPIs within the plant hormone signaling pathways of ethylene, auxin, Gibberellin, and abscisic acid. Using BiFC in conjunction with CRISPR-Cas9, live-cell imaging, and ultra-high-resolution microscopy will enhance our comprehension of PPIs in cell signaling pathways.

[Arterial mediacalcinosis in patients with diabetes mellitus: etiopathogenetic and histopathological aspects]

In a review of the generalized results of foreign and domestic studies on the development mechanism and pathogenesis of vascular calcification. The etiopathogenetic, pathophysiological and histomorphological features of mediacalcinosis, which reveal changes in the vascular bed in patients with DM, are considered. The role of risk factors for diseases, such as increased glycemia, changes in insulin levels, impaired lipid metabolism, obesity, arterial hypertension, CKD and aging, is indicated. The role of procalcifying and anticalcifying factors in colonic vascular remodeling is discussed. Identification of informative molecular markers and factors of CS will allow in the future to develop effective strategies for drug management of the risk of their progression and individual prevention programs to improve the quality and life expectancy in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Potential actions of capsaicin for preventing vascular calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and in vivo

Vascular calcification (VC) is an accurate risk factor and predictor of adverse cardiovascular events; however, there is currently no effective therapy to specifically prevent VC progression. Capsaicin (Cap) is a bioactive alkaloid isolated from Capsicum annuum L., a traditional medicinal and edible plant that is beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of Cap on VC remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects and related mechanisms of Cap on aortic calcification in a mouse and on Pi-induced calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). First, we established a calcification mouse model with vitamin D3 and evaluated the effects of Cap on calcification mice using von Kossa staining, calcium content, and alkaline phosphatase activity tests. The results showed that Cap significantly improved calcification in mice. VSMCs were then cultured in 2.6 mM Na2HPO4 and 50 μg/mL ascorbic acid for 7 days to obtain a calcification model, and we investigated the effects and mechanisms of Cap on VSMCs calcification by assessing the changes of calcium deposition, calcium content, and subsequent VC biomarkers. These results showed that Cap alleviated VSMCs calcification by upregulating the expressions of TRPV1. Moreover, Cap reduced the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin, whereas DKK1 antagonised the inhibitory effect of Cap on VSMC calcification. This study is the first to offer direct evidence that Cap inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by upregulating the expression of the TRPV1 receptor, resulting in the decreased expression of Runx2 and BMP-2, thereby reducing VSMC calcification. Our study may provide novel strategies for preventing the progression of VC. This could serve as a theoretical basis for clinically treating VC with spicy foods.

The emerging roles of irisin in vascular calcification

Vascular calcification is a common accompanying pathological change in many chronic diseases, which is caused by calcium deposition in the blood vessel wall and leads to abnormal blood vessel function. With the progress of medical technology, the diagnosis rate of vascular calcification has explosively increased. However, due to its mechanism's complexity, no effective drug can relieve or even reverse vascular calcification. Irisin is a myogenic cytokine regulating adipose tissue browning, energy metabolism, glucose metabolism, and other physiological processes. Previous studies have shown that irisin could serve as a predictor for vascular calcification, and protect against hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other risk factors for vascular calcification. In terms of mechanism, it improves vascular endothelial dysfunction and phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells. All the above evidence suggests that irisin plays a predictive and protective role in vascular calcification. In this review, we summarize the association of irisin to the related risk factors for vascular calcification and mainly explore the role of irisin in vascular calcification.