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Jalink EA, Schonk AW, Boon RA, Juni RP. Non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 10:1300375. [PMID: 38259314 PMCID: PMC10800550 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1300375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the largest unmet clinical need in cardiovascular medicine. Despite decades of research, the treatment option for HFpEF is still limited, indicating our ongoing incomplete understanding on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Non-coding RNAs, comprising of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are non-protein coding RNA transcripts, which are implicated in various cardiovascular diseases. However, their role in the pathogenesis of HFpEF is unknown. Here, we discuss the role of miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs that are involved in the pathophysiology of HFpEF, namely microvascular dysfunction, inflammation, diastolic dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis. We interrogated clinical evidence and dissected the molecular mechanisms of the ncRNAs by looking at the relevant in vivo and in vitro models that mimic the co-morbidities in patients with HFpEF. Finally, we discuss the potential of ncRNAs as biomarkers and potential novel therapeutic targets for future HFpEF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A. Jalink
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Amber W. Schonk
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Reinier A. Boon
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Frankfurt Rhein/Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rio P. Juni
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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2
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Asjad E, Dobrzynski H. MicroRNAs: Midfielders of Cardiac Health, Disease and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16207. [PMID: 38003397 PMCID: PMC10671258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that play a role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. It is generally accepted that their main mechanism of action is the negative regulation of gene expression, through binding to specific regions in messenger RNA (mRNA) and repressing protein translation. By interrupting protein synthesis, miRNAs can effectively turn genes off and influence many basic processes in the body, such as developmental and apoptotic behaviours of cells and cardiac organogenesis. Their importance is highlighted by inhibiting or overexpressing certain miRNAs, which will be discussed in the context of coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and heart failure. Dysregulated levels of miRNAs in the body can exacerbate or alleviate existing disease, and their omnipresence in the body makes them reliable as quantifiable markers of disease. This review aims to provide a summary of miRNAs as biomarkers and their interactions with targets that affect cardiac health, and intersperse it with current therapeutic knowledge. It intends to succinctly inform on these topics and guide readers toward more comprehensive works if they wish to explore further through a wide-ranging citation list.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emman Asjad
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Halina Dobrzynski
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
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3
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Zhong B, Cui C, Cui Q. Identification and Analysis of Sex-Biased MicroRNAs in Human Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1688. [PMID: 37761827 PMCID: PMC10531062 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that significant differences exist between males and females in both physiology and disease. Thus, it is important to identify and analyze sex-biased miRNAs. However, previous studies investigating sex differences in miRNA expression have predominantly focused on healthy individuals or restricted their analysis to a single disease. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively identify and analyze the sex-biased miRNAs in diseases. For this purpose, in this study, we first identified the miRNAs showing sex-biased expression between males and females in diseases based on a number of miRNA expression datasets. Then, we performed a bioinformatics analysis for these sex-biased miRNAs. Notably, our findings revealed that women exhibit a greater number of conserved miRNAs that are highly expressed compared to men, and these miRNAs are implicated in a broader spectrum of diseases. Additionally, we explored the enriched transcription factors, functions, and diseases associated with these sex-biased miRNAs using the miRNA set enrichment analysis tool TAM 2.0. The insights gained from this study could carry implications for endeavors such as precision medicine and possibly pave the way for more targeted and tailored approaches to disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qinghua Cui
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Rd, Beijing 100191, China; (B.Z.); (C.C.)
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4
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Spinetti G, Mutoli M, Greco S, Riccio F, Ben-Aicha S, Kenneweg F, Jusic A, de Gonzalo-Calvo D, Nossent AY, Novella S, Kararigas G, Thum T, Emanueli C, Devaux Y, Martelli F. Cardiovascular complications of diabetes: role of non-coding RNAs in the crosstalk between immune and cardiovascular systems. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2023; 22:122. [PMID: 37226245 PMCID: PMC10206598 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-023-01842-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high levels of blood glucose caused by insulin defect or impairment, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. Patients with diabetes experience a state of chronic or intermittent hyperglycemia resulting in damage to the vasculature, leading to micro- and macro-vascular diseases. These conditions are associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis. Several classes of leukocytes have been implicated in diabetic cardiovascular impairment. Although the molecular pathways through which diabetes elicits an inflammatory response have attracted significant attention, how they contribute to altering cardiovascular homeostasis is still incompletely understood. In this respect, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a still largely under-investigated class of transcripts that may play a fundamental role. This review article gathers the current knowledge on the function of ncRNAs in the crosstalk between immune and cardiovascular cells in the context of diabetic complications, highlighting the influence of biological sex in such mechanisms and exploring the potential role of ncRNAs as biomarkers and targets for treatments. The discussion closes by offering an overview of the ncRNAs involved in the increased cardiovascular risk suffered by patients with diabetes facing Sars-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Spinetti
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.
| | - Martina Mutoli
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Greco
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Riccio
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Soumaya Ben-Aicha
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Franziska Kenneweg
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - David de Gonzalo-Calvo
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne Yaël Nossent
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Novella
- Department of Physiology, University of Valencia - INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Georgios Kararigas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Costanza Emanueli
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy.
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5
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Arosh JA, Sivakumar KK, Lee J, Banu SK. Effects of selective inhibition of prostaglandin E2 receptors EP2 and EP4 on the miRNA profile in endometriosis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 558:111728. [PMID: 35944745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent, progesterone-resistant, chronic inflammatory gynecological disease of reproductive-age women. Two major clinical symptoms of endometriosis are chronic pelvic pain and infertility, which profoundly affect the quality of life in women. Current hormonal therapies to induce a hypoestrogenic state are unsuccessful because of undesirable side effects, reproductive health concerns, and failure to prevent disease recurrence. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays an important role in the survival and growth of endometriotic lesions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that control gene expressions through multiple mechanisms and have important roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The objective of the present study is to determine the effects of pharmacological inhibition of PGE2 receptors, EP2 and EP4, on miRNA profile in endometriosis. The novel results collectively indicate that inhibition of PGE2-EP2/EP4 signaling regulated several miRNA clusters associated with cell adhesion, migration, invasion, survival and growth in cell-specific and the chromosome-specific manner and reverses the epigenetic silencing of proapoptotic miRNAs 15a and 34c in the human endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells and experimental endometriotic lesions. Thus, selective inhibition of EP2/EP4 receptors could emerge as a potential nonsteroidal therapy for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe A Arosh
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, TX, 77843, College Station, USA.
| | - Kirthiram K Sivakumar
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, TX, 77843, College Station, USA
| | - JeHoon Lee
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, TX, 77843, College Station, USA
| | - Sakhila K Banu
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, TX, 77843, College Station, USA
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6
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Brown C, Mantzaris M, Nicolaou E, Karanasiou G, Papageorgiou E, Curigliano G, Cardinale D, Filippatos G, Memos N, Naka KK, Papakostantinou A, Vogazianos P, Ioulianou E, Shammas C, Constantinidou A, Tozzi F, Fotiadis DI, Antoniades A. A systematic review of miRNAs as biomarkers for chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients reveals potentially clinically informative panels as well as key challenges in miRNA research. CARDIO-ONCOLOGY 2022; 8:16. [PMID: 36071532 PMCID: PMC9450324 DOI: 10.1186/s40959-022-00142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer patients are at a particularly high risk of cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy having a detrimental effect on quality-of-life parameters and increasing the risk of mortality. Prognostic biomarkers would allow the management of therapies to mitigate the risks of cardiotoxicity in vulnerable patients and a key potential candidate for such biomarkers are microRNAs (miRNA). miRNAs are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression which can also be released into the circulatory system and have been associated with the progression of many chronic diseases including many types of cancer. In this review, the evidence for the potential application of miRNAs as biomarkers for chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC) in breast cancer patientsis evaluated and a simple meta-analysis is performed to confirm the replication status of each reported miRNA. Further selection of miRNAs is performed by reviewing the reported associations of each miRNA with other cardiovascular conditions. Based on this research, the most representative panels targeting specific chemotherapy agents and treatment regimens are suggested, that contain several informative miRNAs, including both general markers of cardiac damage as well as those for the specific cancer treatments.
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7
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Li H, Konja D, Wang L, Wang Y. Sex Differences in Adiposity and Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169338. [PMID: 36012601 PMCID: PMC9409326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Body fat distribution is a well-established predictor of adverse medical outcomes, independent of overall adiposity. Studying body fat distribution sheds insights into the causes of obesity and provides valuable information about the development of various comorbidities. Compared to total adiposity, body fat distribution is more closely associated with risks of cardiovascular diseases. The present review specifically focuses on the sexual dimorphism in body fat distribution, the biological clues, as well as the genetic traits that are distinct from overall obesity. Understanding the sex determinations on body fat distribution and adiposity will aid in the improvement of the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
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8
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Weerts J, Mourmans SGJ, Barandiarán Aizpurua A, Schroen BLM, Knackstedt C, Eringa E, Houben AJHM, van Empel VPM. The Role of Systemic Microvascular Dysfunction in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020278. [PMID: 35204779 PMCID: PMC8961612 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a condition with increasing incidence, leading to a health care problem of epidemic proportions for which no curative treatments exist. Consequently, an urge exists to better understand the pathophysiology of HFpEF. Accumulating evidence suggests a key pathophysiological role for coronary microvascular dysfunction (MVD), with an underlying mechanism of low-grade pro-inflammatory state caused by systemic comorbidities. The systemic entity of comorbidities and inflammation in HFpEF imply that patients develop HFpEF due to systemic mechanisms causing coronary MVD, or systemic MVD. The absence or presence of peripheral MVD in HFpEF would reflect HFpEF being predominantly a cardiac or a systemic disease. Here, we will review the current state of the art of cardiac and systemic microvascular dysfunction in HFpEF (Graphical Abstract), resulting in future perspectives on new diagnostic modalities and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerremy Weerts
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.G.J.M.); (A.B.A.); (B.L.M.S.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-43-387-7097
| | - Sanne G. J. Mourmans
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.G.J.M.); (A.B.A.); (B.L.M.S.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.)
| | - Arantxa Barandiarán Aizpurua
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.G.J.M.); (A.B.A.); (B.L.M.S.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.)
| | - Blanche L. M. Schroen
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.G.J.M.); (A.B.A.); (B.L.M.S.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.)
| | - Christian Knackstedt
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.G.J.M.); (A.B.A.); (B.L.M.S.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.)
| | - Etto Eringa
- Department of Physiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alfons J. H. M. Houben
- Department of Internal Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Vanessa P. M. van Empel
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.G.J.M.); (A.B.A.); (B.L.M.S.); (C.K.); (V.P.M.v.E.)
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9
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Kraczkowska W, Stachowiak L, Pławski A, Jagodziński PP. Circulating miRNA as potential biomarkers for diabetes mellitus type 2: should we focus on searching for sex differences? J Appl Genet 2022; 63:293-303. [PMID: 34984663 PMCID: PMC8979931 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-021-00678-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs are non-coding molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate various cellular processes. A growing body of evidence has suggested that their dysregulated expression is involved in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, including diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). Early onset of this chronic and complex metabolic disorder is frequently undiagnosed, leading to the development of severe diabetic complications. Notably, DM2 prevalence is rising globally and an increasing number of articles demonstrate that DM2 susceptibility, development, and progression differ between males and females. Therefore, this paper discusses the role of microRNAs as a source of novel diagnostic biomarkers for DM2 and aims to underline the importance of sex disparity in biomarkers research. Taking into account an urgent need for the development of sex-specific diagnostic strategies in DM2, recent results have shown that circulating miRNAs are promising candidates for sex-biased biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Kraczkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznań University of Medical Science, 6 Święcickiego Street, 60-781, Poznan, Poland
| | - Lucyna Stachowiak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznań University of Medical Science, 6 Święcickiego Street, 60-781, Poznan, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pławski
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł Piotr Jagodziński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznań University of Medical Science, 6 Święcickiego Street, 60-781, Poznan, Poland.
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10
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Florijn BW, Bijkerk R, Kruyt ND, van Zonneveld AJ, Wermer MJH. Sex-Specific MicroRNAs in Neurovascular Units in Ischemic Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11888. [PMID: 34769320 PMCID: PMC8585074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence pinpoints sex differences in stroke incidence, etiology and outcome. Therefore, more understanding of the sex-specific mechanisms that lead to ischemic stroke and aggravation of secondary damage after stroke is needed. Our current mechanistic understanding of cerebral ischemia states that endothelial quiescence in neurovascular units (NVUs) is a major physiological parameter affecting the cellular response to neuron, astrocyte and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) injury. Although a hallmark of the response to injury in these cells is transcriptional activation, noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs exhibit cell-type and context dependent regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. This review assesses whether sex-specific microRNA expression (either derived from X-chromosome loci following incomplete X-chromosome inactivation or regulated by estrogen in their biogenesis) in these cells controls NVU quiescence, and as such, could differentiate stroke pathophysiology in women compared to men. Their adverse expression was found to decrease tight junction affinity in endothelial cells and activate VSMC proliferation, while their regulation of paracrine astrocyte signaling was shown to neutralize sex-specific apoptotic pathways in neurons. As such, these microRNAs have cell type-specific functions in astrocytes and vascular cells which act on one another, thereby affecting the cell viability of neurons. Furthermore, these microRNAs display actual and potential clinical implications as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in ischemic stroke and in predicting therapeutic response to antiplatelet therapy. In conclusion, this review improves the current mechanistic understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to ischemic stroke in women and highlights the clinical promise of sex-specific microRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers for (silent) ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barend W. Florijn
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZR Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.K.); (M.J.H.W.)
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.B.); (A.J.v.Z.)
| | - Roel Bijkerk
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.B.); (A.J.v.Z.)
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nyika D. Kruyt
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZR Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.K.); (M.J.H.W.)
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.B.); (A.J.v.Z.)
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke J. H. Wermer
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZR Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.K.); (M.J.H.W.)
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11
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Florijn BW, Duijs JMGJ, Klaver M, Kuipers EN, Kooijman S, Prins J, Zhang H, Sips HCM, Stam W, Hanegraaf M, Limpens RWAL, Nieuwland R, van Rijn BB, Rabelink TJ, Rensen PCN, den Heijer M, Bijkerk R, van Zonneveld AJ. Estradiol-driven metabolism in transwomen associates with reduced circulating extracellular vesicle microRNA-224/452. Eur J Endocrinol 2021; 185:539-552. [PMID: 34342596 PMCID: PMC8436186 DOI: 10.1530/eje-21-0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sex steroid hormones like estrogens have a key role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and metabolism. In transwomen, gender-affirming hormone therapy like estradiol (in combination with antiandrogenic compounds) could affect metabolism as well. Given that the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood, this study assessed circulating estradiol-driven microRNAs (miRs) in transwomen and their regulation of genes involved in metabolism in mice. METHODS Following plasma miR-sequencing (seq) in a transwomen discovery (n = 20) and validation cohort (n = 30), we identified miR-224 and miR-452. Subsequent systemic silencing of these miRs in male C57Bl/6 J mice (n = 10) was followed by RNA-seq-based gene expression analysis of brown and white adipose tissue in conjunction with mechanistic studies in cultured adipocytes. RESULTS Estradiol in transwomen lowered plasma miR-224 and -452 carried in extracellular vesicles (EVs) while their systemic silencing in mice and cultured adipocytes increased lipogenesis (white adipose) but reduced glucose uptake and mitochondrial respiration (brown adipose). In white and brown adipose tissue, differentially expressed (miR target) genes are associated with lipogenesis (white adipose) and mitochondrial respiration and glucose uptake (brown adipose). CONCLUSION This study identified an estradiol-drive post-transcriptional network that could potentially offer a mechanistic understanding of metabolism following gender-affirming estradiol therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barend W Florijn
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence should be addressed to B W Florijn;
| | - Jacques M G J Duijs
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Klaver
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline N Kuipers
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kooijman
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jurrien Prins
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Huayu Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hetty C M Sips
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy Stam
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Hanegraaf
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald W A L Limpens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology (Section Electron Microscopy), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rienk Nieuwland
- Laboratory of Experimental Clinical Chemistry, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Vesicle Observation Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas B van Rijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ton J Rabelink
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick C N Rensen
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martin den Heijer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Bijkerk
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Myocardial Tissue Characterization in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: From Histopathology and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Findings to Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147650. [PMID: 34299270 PMCID: PMC8304780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex clinical syndrome responsible for high mortality and morbidity rates. It has an ever growing social and economic impact and a deeper knowledge of molecular and pathophysiological basis is essential for the ideal management of HFpEF patients. The association between HFpEF and traditional cardiovascular risk factors is known. However, myocardial alterations, as well as pathophysiological mechanisms involved are not completely defined. Under the definition of HFpEF there is a wide spectrum of different myocardial structural alterations. Myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, coronary microvascular dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation are only some of the main pathological detectable processes. Furthermore, there is a lack of effective pharmacological targets to improve HFpEF patients' outcomes and risk factors control is the primary and unique approach to treat those patients. Myocardial tissue characterization, through invasive and non-invasive techniques, such as endomyocardial biopsy and cardiac magnetic resonance respectively, may represent the starting point to understand the genetic, molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this complex syndrome. The correlation between histopathological findings and imaging aspects may be the future challenge for the earlier and large-scale HFpEF diagnosis, in order to plan a specific and effective treatment able to modify the disease's natural course.
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