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Relaxin-2 as a Potential Biomarker in Cardiovascular Diseases. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071021. [PMID: 35887517 PMCID: PMC9317583 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pleiotropic hormone relaxin-2 plays a pivotal role in the physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system. Relaxin-2 exerts relevant regulatory functions in cardiovascular tissues through the specific receptor relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) in the regulation of cardiac metabolism; the induction of vasodilatation; the reversion of fibrosis and hypertrophy; the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis; and the stimulation of angiogenesis, with inotropic and chronotropic effects as well. Recent preclinical and clinical outcomes have encouraged the potential use of relaxin-2 (or its recombinant form, known as serelaxin) as a therapeutic strategy during cardiac injury and/or in patients suffering from different cardiovascular disarrangements, especially heart failure. Furthermore, relaxin-2 has been proposed as a promising biomarker of cardiovascular health and disease. In this review, we emphasize the relevance of the endogenous hormone relaxin-2 as a useful diagnostic biomarker in different backgrounds of cardiovascular pathology, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, aortic valve disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, which could be relevant in daily clinical practice and could contribute to comprehending the specific role of relaxin-2 in cardiovascular diseases.
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Zhang N, Wang YY, Hu HJ, Lu G, Xu X, Dou YQ, Cui W, Gao SJ, Han M. Assessing serum levels of SM22α as a new biomarker for patients with aortic aneurysm/dissection. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264942. [PMID: 35358189 PMCID: PMC8970406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aortic aneurysm/dissection (AAD) is now encountered more often because of the increasing prevalence of atherosclerosis and hypertension in the population. Despite many therapeutic improvements, in particular timely and successful surgery, in-hospital mortality rates are still higher. Timely identification of patients at high risk will help improve the overall prognosis of AAD. Since early clinical and radiological signs are nonspecific, there is an urgent need for accurate biomarkers. Smooth muscle 22α (SM22α) is a potential marker for AAD because of its abundant expression in vascular smooth muscle, which is involved in development of AAD. Methods We prepared three different mouse models, including abdominal aortic aneurysm, neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. SM22α levels were assessed in serum and vascular tissue of the mice. Next, the relationships between serum SM22α level and vascular lesion were studied in mice. Finally, serum from 41 patients with AAD, 107 carotid artery stenosis (CAS) patients and 40 healthy volunteers were tested for SM22α. Serum levels of SM22α were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Compared with the controls, serum SM22α levels were reduced in the models of aortic aneurysm, neointimal formation and atherosclerosis, and elevated in mice with ruptured aneurysm. Serum SM22α level was negatively correlated with apoptosis rate of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), ratio of intima/ media (I/M) area and plaque size. Patients with AAD had significantly higher serum SM22α levels than patients with only CAS, or normal controls. Conclusion Serum SM22α could be a potential predictive marker for AAD, and regulation of VSMC is a possible mechanism for the effects of SM22α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Functional Region of Diagnosis, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Functional Region of Diagnosis, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hai-Juan Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Gang Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yong-Qing Dou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-kidney patterns of Hebei Province, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - She-Jun Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mei Han
- Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- * E-mail:
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Klimontov VV, Koroleva EA, Khapaev RS, Korbut AI, Lykov AP. Carotid Artery Disease in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes: Risk Factors and Biomarkers. J Clin Med 2021; 11:72. [PMID: 35011813 PMCID: PMC8745306 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Carotid atherosclerosis (CA) and, especially, carotid artery stenosis (CAS), are associated with a high risk of cardiovascular events in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, we aimed to identify risk factors and biomarkers of subclinical CA and CAS in T2D individuals. High-resolution ultrasonography of carotid arteries was performed in 389 patients. Ninety-five clinical parameters were evaluated, including diabetic complications and comorbidities; antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antihypertensive therapy; indices of glycemic control and glucose variability (GV); lipid panels; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); albuminuria; blood cell count; and coagulation. Additionally, serum levels of calponin-1, relaxin, L-citrulline, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -3 (MMP-2, -3) were measured by ELISA. In univariate analysis, older age, male sex, diabetes duration, GV, diabetic retinopathy, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and MMP-3 were associated with subclinical CA. In addition to these factors, long-term arterial hypertension, high daily insulin doses, eGFR, and L-citrulline were associated with CAS. In multivariate logistic regression, age, male sex, BMI, GV, and eGFR predicted CA independently; male sex, BMI, diabetes duration, eGFR, and L-citrulline were predictors of CAS. These results can be used to develop screening and prevention programs for CA and CAS in T2D subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim V. Klimontov
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology—Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (RICEL—Branch of IC&G SB RAS), 630060 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.A.K.); (R.S.K.); (A.I.K.); (A.P.L.)
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Martins RC, Pintalhão M, Leite-Moreira A, Castro-Chaves P. Relaxin and the Cardiovascular System: from Basic Science to Clinical Practice. Curr Mol Med 2021; 20:167-184. [PMID: 31642776 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666191023121607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin was originally linked to reproductive physiology, where it is believed to mediate systemic and renal hemodynamic adjustments to pregnancy. Recently, its broad range of effects in the cardiovascular system has been the focus of intensive research regarding its implications under pathological conditions and potential therapeutic potential. An understanding of the multitude of cardioprotective actions prompted the study of serelaxin, recombinant human relaxin-2, for the treatment of acute heart failure. Despite early promising results from phase II studies, recently revealed RELAX-AHF-2 outcomes were rather disappointing and the treatment for acute heart failure remains an unmet medical need. This article reviews the physiologic actions of relaxin on the cardiovascular system and its relevance in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. We summarize the most updated clinical data and discuss future directions of serelaxin for the treatment of acute heart failure. This should encourage additional work to determine how can relaxin's beneficial effects be exploited for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Clara Martins
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Internal Medicine Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Pintalhão
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Internal Medicine Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Adelino Leite-Moreira
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Castro-Chaves
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Internal Medicine Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
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Increased Serum KLF4 in Severe Atheromatosis and Extensive Aneurysmal Disease. Ann Vasc Surg 2020; 68:338-343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Papoutsis K, Kapelouzou A, Georgiopoulos G, Kontogiannis C, Kourek C, Mylonas KS, Patelis N, Cokkinos DV, Karavokyros I, Georgopoulos S. Tissue-specific relaxin-2 is differentially associated with the presence/size of an arterial aneurysm and the severity of atherosclerotic disease in humans. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:745-752. [PMID: 32024951 PMCID: PMC7471450 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-019-0350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating or tissue-related biomarkers are of clinical value for risk stratification in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Relaxin-2 (RL2) has been linked to the presence and size of arterial aneurysms, and to the extent of atherosclerosis in human subjects. Here, we assessed the expression levels of RL2 in aneurysmal (AA, n = 16) and atherosclerotic (ATH, n = 22) arteries, and established the correlation between RL2 levels and the presence/size of AA and the clinical severity of atherosclerosis. The expression levels of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) were also detected for correlations with different phenotypes of atherosclerosis and AA. Temporal artery biopsy specimens (n = 6) and abdominal aortic tissues harvested from accident victims during autopsy (n = 10) were used as controls. Quantitative tissue biomarker analysis revealed that tissue-specific RL2 was increased in patients with larger or symptomatic AA compared to subjects with atherosclerotic disease and healthy controls. In situ RL2 levels were proportional to the size and the severity of aneurysmatic disease, and were substantially elevated in patients with symptomatic aneurysm of any diameter or asymptomatic aneurysm of a diameter >350% of that of the normal artery. In contrast, tissue RL2 was inversely associated with the clinical severity of atherosclerotic lesions. Correlation between RL2 and MMP2 was different between ATH1 and ATH2, depending on atherosclerosis grade. Overall, tissue RL2 is differentially associated with discrete phenotypes of arterial disease and might exert multipotent biological effects on vascular wall integrity and remodeling in human subjects.
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Xi L, Kouvelos G, Paolocci N. Circulating biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases: the beats never stop. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:1065-1067. [PMID: 29926843 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2018.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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