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Zeng J, Wu Q, Xiong S, Lu C, Zhang Z, Huang H, Xiong Y, Luo T. Inhibition of EphA2 protects against atherosclerosis by synergizing with statins to mitigate macrophage inflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115885. [PMID: 37984301 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins are highly prevalent in patients with coronary artery disease. Statins exert their anti-inflammatory effects on the vascular wall and circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, increasing attention revealed the exacerbation of macrophage inflammation induced by statins, and a clear mechanistic explanation of whether the detrimental effects of statins on macrophage inflammatory phenotypes outweigh the beneficial effects is has not yet been established. Here, RNA-sequencing and RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated that statins significantly upregulated EphA2, Nlrp3, IL-1β and TNF-α expression in macrophages. Mechanistically, we found that atorvastatin reduced KLF4 binding to the EphA2 promoter using KLF4-chromatin immunoprecipitation, suppressed HDAC11-mediated deacetylation and subsequently led to enhanced EphA2 transcription. The 4D-label-free proteomics analysis further confirmed the upregulated EphA2 and inflammatory signals. Furthermore, the proinflammatory effect of atorvastatin was neutralized by an addition of recombinant Fc-ephrinA1, a selective Eph receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ALW-II-41-27) or EphA2-silencing adenovirus (siEphA2). In vivo, EphA2 was identified a proatherogenic factor and apoE-/- mice placed on a high-fat diet following gastric gavage with atorvastatin exhibited a consistent elevation in EphA2 expression. We further observed that the transfection with siEphA2 in atorvastatin-treated mice significantly attenuated atherosclerotic plaque formation and abrogated statin-orchestrated macrophages proinflammatory genes expression as compared to that in atorvastatin alone. Increased plaque stability index was also observed following the addition of siEphA2, as evidenced by increased collagen and smooth muscle content and diminished lipid accumulation and macrophage infiltration. The data suggest that blockage of EphA2 provides an additional therapeutic benefit for further improving the anti-atherogenic effects of statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610014, China
| | - Qiao Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Huiqiao Medical Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Shiqiang Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Cong Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610014, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610014, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610014, China
| | - Tiantian Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610014, China.
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Diagnostic Value of Circulating Progranulin and Its Receptor EphA2 in Predicting the Atheroma Burden in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:6653501. [PMID: 33968283 PMCID: PMC8084646 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6653501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Progranulin (PGRN) and its potential receptor Eph-receptor tyrosine kinase-type A2 (EphA2) are inflammation-related molecules that present on the atherosclerotic plaques. However, the roles of circulating PGRN and EphA2 in coronary artery disease (CAD) remain unclear. Objective To study the clinical significance of circulating PGRN and EphA2 levels in Chinese patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods Levels of circulating EphA2 fragments and PGRN were examined in 201 consecutive individuals who underwent coronary angiography for suspected CAD in our center from Jan 2020 to Oct 2020. Demographic characteristics, results of biochemical and auxiliary examinations, and other relevant information were collected. The coronary atheroma burden was quantified by the Gensini score and the existence of chronic total occlusion (CTO). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In patients with ACS and SAP, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to detect the accuracy and discriminative ability of levels of EphA2 and PGRN, the Gensini score, and cardiac injury biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for CTO. Results Circulating EphA2 levels were significantly higher in patients with ACS than in subjects with stable angina pectoris (SAP) or control subjects (p < 0.001). A positive linear correlation was verified between EphA2 levels and the Gensini score (r = 0.306, p < 0.001), and negative correlation was detected with the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = −0.405, p < 0.001). Both PGRN and EphA2 were positively associated with cardiac injury biomarkers (i.e., NT-proBNP, cTnT, and hs-CRP) (p < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve of PGRN and EphA2 was 0.604 and 0.686, respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusions Higher circulating EphA2 and PGRN levels were detected in patients with ACS than in patients with SAP. Circulating EphA2 and PGRN levels might be diagnostic factors for predicting the atheroma burden in patients with CAD.
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Vreeken D, Zhang H, van Zonneveld AJ, van Gils JM. Ephs and Ephrins in Adult Endothelial Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165623. [PMID: 32781521 PMCID: PMC7460586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are important guidance molecules during neurological and vascular development. In recent years, it has become clear that the Eph protein family remains functional in adult physiology. A subset of Ephs and ephrins is highly expressed by endothelial cells. As endothelial cells form the first barrier between the blood and surrounding tissues, maintenance of a healthy endothelium is crucial for tissue homeostasis. This review gives an overview of the current insights of the role of ephrin ligands and receptors in endothelial function and leukocyte recruitment in the (patho)physiology of adult vascular biology.
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Vreeken D, Bruikman CS, Cox SML, Zhang H, Lalai R, Koudijs A, van Zonneveld AJ, Hovingh GK, van Gils JM. EPH receptor B2 stimulates human monocyte adhesion and migration independently of its EphrinB ligands. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:999-1011. [PMID: 32337793 PMCID: PMC7496365 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2a0320-283rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis of atherosclerosis is not fully understood and mice studies have shown that Ephrins and EPH receptors play a role in the atherosclerotic process. We set out to assess the role for monocytic EPHB2 and its Ephrin ligands in human atherosclerosis and show a role for EPHB2 in monocyte functions independently of its EphrinB ligands. Immunohistochemical staining of human aortic sections at different stages of atherosclerosis showed that EPHB2 and its ligand EphrinB are expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and that expression proportionally increases with plaque severity. Functionally, stimulation with EPHB2 did not affect endothelial barrier function, nor did stimulation with EphrinB1 or EphrinB2 affect monocyte‐endothelial interactions. In contrast, reduced expression of EPHB2 in monocytes resulted in decreased monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and a decrease in monocyte transmigration, mediated by an altered morphology and a decreased ability to phosphorylate FAK. Our results suggest that EPHB2 expression in monocytes results in monocyte accumulation by virtue of an increase of transendothelial migration, which can subsequently contribute to atherosclerotic plaque progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Vreeken
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Suzanne Bruikman
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Martinus Leonardus Cox
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Huayu Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Reshma Lalai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Koudijs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Kornelis Hovingh
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Maria van Gils
- Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Finney AC, Funk SD, Green JM, Yurdagul A, Rana MA, Pistorius R, Henry M, Yurochko A, Pattillo CB, Traylor JG, Chen J, Woolard MD, Kevil CG, Orr AW. EphA2 Expression Regulates Inflammation and Fibroproliferative Remodeling in Atherosclerosis. Circulation 2017; 136:566-582. [PMID: 28487392 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.116.026644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic plaque formation results from chronic inflammation and fibroproliferative remodeling in the vascular wall. We previously demonstrated that both human and mouse atherosclerotic plaques show elevated expression of EphA2, a guidance molecule involved in cell-cell interactions and tumorigenesis. METHODS Here, we assessed the role of EphA2 in atherosclerosis by deleting EphA2 in a mouse model of atherosclerosis (Apoe-/-) and by assessing EphA2 function in multiple vascular cell culture models. After 8 to 16 weeks on a Western diet, male and female mice were assessed for atherosclerotic burden in the large vessels, and plasma lipid levels were analyzed. RESULTS Despite enhanced weight gain and plasma lipid levels compared with Apoe-/- controls, EphA2-/-Apoe-/- knockout mice show diminished atherosclerotic plaque formation, characterized by reduced proinflammatory gene expression and plaque macrophage content. Although plaque macrophages express EphA2, EphA2 deletion does not affect macrophage phenotype, inflammatory responses, and lipid uptake, and bone marrow chimeras suggest that hematopoietic EphA2 deletion does not affect plaque formation. In contrast, endothelial EphA2 knockdown significantly reduces monocyte firm adhesion under flow. In addition, EphA2-/-Apoe-/- mice show reduced progression to advanced atherosclerotic plaques with diminished smooth muscle and collagen content. Consistent with this phenotype, EphA2 shows enhanced expression after smooth muscle transition to a synthetic phenotype, and EphA2 depletion reduces smooth muscle proliferation, mitogenic signaling, and extracellular matrix deposition both in atherosclerotic plaques and in vascular smooth muscle cells in culture. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data identify a novel role for EphA2 in atherosclerosis, regulating both plaque inflammation and progression to advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Cell culture studies suggest that endothelial EphA2 contributes to atherosclerotic inflammation by promoting monocyte firm adhesion, whereas smooth muscle EphA2 expression may regulate the progression to advanced atherosclerosis by regulating smooth muscle proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Finney
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Steven D Funk
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Jonette M Green
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Arif Yurdagul
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Mohammad Atif Rana
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Rebecca Pistorius
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Miriam Henry
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Andrew Yurochko
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Christopher B Pattillo
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - James G Traylor
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Jin Chen
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Matthew D Woolard
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - Christopher G Kevil
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.)
| | - A Wayne Orr
- From Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy (A.C.F., S.D.F., J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, C.G.K., A.W.O.), Pathology and Translational Pathobiology (J.M.G., A. Yurdagul, R.P., M.H., J.G.T., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Cardiology (M.A.R.), Microbiology and Immunology (A. Yurochko, M.D.W.), and Molecular and Cellular Physiology (C.B.P., C.G.K., A.W.O.), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport; Departments of Cancer Biology and Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (J.C.); and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville (J.C.).
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Foks AC, Kuiper J. Immune checkpoint proteins: exploring their therapeutic potential to regulate atherosclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:3940-3955. [PMID: 28369782 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system provides a large variety of immune checkpoint proteins, which involve both costimulatory and inhibitory proteins. Costimulatory proteins can promote cell survival, cell cycle progression and differentiation to effector and memory cells, whereas inhibitory proteins terminate these processes to halt ongoing inflammation. Immune checkpoint proteins play a pivotal role in atherosclerosis by regulating the activation and proliferation of various immune and non-immune cells, such as T-cells, macrophages and platelets. Upon activation within the atherosclerotic lesions or in secondary lymphoid organs, these cells produce large amounts of pro-atherogenic cytokines that contribute to the growth and destabilization of lesions, which can result in rupture of the lesion causing acute coronary syndromes, such as a myocardial infarction. Given the presence and regulatory capacity of immune checkpoint proteins in the circulation and atherosclerotic lesions of cardiovascular patients, modulation of these proteins by, for example, the use of monoclonal antibodies, offers unique opportunities to regulate pro-inflammatory immune responses in atherosclerosis. In this review, we highlight the latest advances on the role of immune checkpoint proteins, such as OX40-OX40L, CTLA-4 and TIM proteins, in atherosclerosis and discuss their therapeutic potential as promising immunotherapies to treat or prevent cardiovascular disease. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Targeting Inflammation to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.22/issuetoc and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v82.4/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Foks
- Division of Biopharmaceutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Kuiper
- Division of Biopharmaceutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Grainger AT, Jones MB, Li J, Chen MH, Manichaikul A, Shi W. Genetic analysis of atherosclerosis identifies a major susceptibility locus in the major histocompatibility complex of mice. Atherosclerosis 2016; 254:124-132. [PMID: 27736672 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 50 significant loci containing common variants associated with coronary artery disease. However, these variants explain only 26% of the genetic heritability of the disease, suggesting that many more variants remain to be discovered. Here, we examined the genetic basis underlying the marked difference between SM/J-Apoe-/- and BALB/cJ-Apoe-/- mice in atherosclerotic lesion formation. METHODS 206 female F2 mice generated from an intercross between the two Apoe-/- strains were fed 12 weeks of western diet. Atherosclerotic lesion sizes in the aortic root were measured and 149 genetic markers genotyped across the entire genome. RESULTS A significant locus, named Ath49 (LOD score: 4.18), for atherosclerosis was mapped to the H2 complex [mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC)] on chromosome 17. Bioinformatic analysis identified 12 probable candidate genes, including Tnfrsf21, Adgrf1, Adgrf5, Mep1a, and Pla2g7. Corresponding human genomic regions of Ath49 showed significant association with coronary heart disease. Five suggestive loci on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, and 8 for atherosclerosis were also identified. Atherosclerotic lesion sizes were significantly correlated with HDL but not with non-HDL cholesterol, triglyceride or glucose levels in the F2 cohort. CONCLUSIONS We have identified the MHC as a major genetic determinant of atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of inflammation in atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Grainger
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Michael B Jones
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mei-Hua Chen
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ani Manichaikul
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Weibin Shi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Östergren C, Shim J, Larsen JV, Nielsen LB, Bentzon JF. Genetic analysis of ligation-induced neointima formation in an F2 intercross of C57BL/6 and FVB/N inbred mouse strains. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121899. [PMID: 25875831 PMCID: PMC4395357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are central for arterial diseases including atherosclerosis and restenosis. We hypothesized that the underlying mechanisms may be modeled by carotid ligation in mice. In FVB/N inbred mice, ligation leads to abundant neointima formation with proliferating media-derived SMCs, whereas in C57BL/6 mice hardly any neointima is formed. In the present study, we aimed to identify the chromosomal location of the causative gene variants in an F2 intercross between these two mouse strains. Methods and Results The neointimal cross-sectional area was significantly different between FVB/N, C57BL/6 and F1 female mice 4 weeks after ligation. Carotid artery ligation and a genome scan using 800 informative SNP markers were then performed in 157 female F2 mice. Using quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, we identified suggestive, but no genome-wide significant, QTLs on chromosomes 7 and 12 for neointimal cross-sectional area and on chromosome 14 for media area. Further analysis of the cross revealed 4 QTLs for plasma cholesterol, which combined explained 69% of the variation among F2 mice. Conclusions We identified suggestive QTLs for neointima and media area after carotid ligation in an intercross of FVB/N and C57BL/6 mice, but none that reached genome-wide significance indicating a complex genetic architecture of the traits. Genome-wide significant QTLs for total cholesterol levels were identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 9, and 12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Östergren
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, and Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jeong Shim
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, and Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Vinther Larsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, and Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Bo Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob F. Bentzon
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, and Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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Svendstrup M, Vestergaard H. The potential role of inhibitor of differentiation-3 in human adipose tissue remodeling and metabolic health. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 113:149-54. [PMID: 25239768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic health in obesity is known to differ among individuals, and the distribution of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) plays an important role in this regard. Adipose tissue expansion is dependent on new blood vessel formation in order to prevent hypoxia and inflammation in the tissue. Regulation of angiogenesis in SAT and VAT in response to diet is therefore crucial for the metabolic outcome in obesity. Knowledge about the underlying genetic mechanisms determining metabolic health in obesity is very limited. We aimed to review the literature of the inhibitor of differentiation-3 (ID3) gene in relation to adipose tissue and angiogenesis in humans in order to determine whether ID3 could be involved in the regulation of adipose tissue expansion and metabolic health in human obesity. We find evidence that ID3 is involved in regulatory mechanisms in adipose tissue and regulates angiogenesis in many tissues including adipose tissue. We discuss how this might influence obesity and metabolic health in obesity and further discuss some potential mechanisms by which ID3 might regulate visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue expansion. The combined results from the reviewed literature suggest ID3 to play a potential role in the underlying regulatory mechanisms of metabolic health in human obesity. The literature is still sparse and further studies focusing on human ID3 in relation to the nature of obesity are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Svendstrup
- The Danish Diabetes Academy and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Section of Metabolic Genetics, Universitetsparken 1, 1st Floor, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; The Danish Diabetes Academy and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Section of Metabolic Genetics, Universitetsparken 1, 1st Floor, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Vestergaard
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Section of Metabolic Genetics, Universitetsparken 1, 1st Floor, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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High-resolution genetic mapping in the diversity outbred mouse population identifies Apobec1 as a candidate gene for atherosclerosis. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2014; 4:2353-63. [PMID: 25344410 PMCID: PMC4267931 DOI: 10.1534/g3.114.014704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Inbred mice exhibit strain-specific variation in susceptibility to atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia that renders them useful in dissecting the genetic architecture of these complex diseases. Traditional quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping studies using inbred strains often identify large genomic regions, containing many genes, due to limited recombination and/or sample size. This hampers candidate gene identification and translation of these results into possible risk factors and therapeutic targets. An alternative approach is the use of multiparental outbred lines for genetic mapping, such as the Diversity Outbred (DO) mouse panel, which can be more informative than traditional two-parent crosses and can aid in the identification of causal genes and variants associated with QTL. We fed 292 female DO mice either a high-fat, cholesterol-containing (HFCA) diet, to induce atherosclerosis, or a low-fat, high-protein diet for 18 wk and measured plasma lipid levels before and after diet treatment. We measured markers of atherosclerosis in the mice fed the HFCA diet. The mice were genotyped on a medium-density single-nucleotide polymorphism array and founder haplotypes were reconstructed using a hidden Markov model. The reconstructed haplotypes were then used to perform linkage mapping of atherosclerotic lesion size as well as plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and glucose. Among our highly significant QTL we detected a ~100 kb QTL interval for atherosclerosis on Chromosome 6, as well as a 1.4 Mb QTL interval on Chromosome 9 for triglyceride levels at baseline and a coincident 22.2 Mb QTL interval on Chromosome 9 for total cholesterol after dietary treatment. One candidate gene within the Chromosome 6 peak region associated with atherosclerosis is Apobec1, the apolipoprotein B (ApoB) mRNA-editing enzyme, which plays a role in the regulation of ApoB, a critical component of low-density lipoprotein, by editing ApoB mRNA. This study demonstrates the value of the DO population to improve mapping resolution and to aid in the identification of potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease. Using a DO mouse population fed an HFCA diet, we were able to identify an A/J-specific isoform of Apobec1 that contributes to atherosclerosis.
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A functionally significant polymorphism in ID3 is associated with human coronary pathology. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90222. [PMID: 24603695 PMCID: PMC3946163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims We previously identified association between the ID3 SNP rs11574 and carotid intima-media thickness in the Diabetes Heart Study, a predominantly White diabetic population. The nonsynonymous SNP rs11574 results in an amino acid substitution in the C-terminal region of ID3, attenuating the dominant negative function of ID3 as an inhibitor of basic HLH factor E12-mediated transcription. In the current investigation, we characterize the association between the functionally significant polymorphism in ID3, rs11574, with human coronary pathology. Methods and Results The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a longitudinal study of subclinical cardiovascular disease, including non-Hispanic White (n = 2,588), African American (n = 2,560) and Hispanic (n = 2,130) participants with data on coronary artery calcium (CAC). The Coronary Assessment in Virginia cohort (CAVA) included 71 patients aged 30–80 years, undergoing a medically necessary cardiac catheterization and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) at the University of Virginia. ID3 SNP rs11574 risk allele was associated with the presence of CAC in MESA Whites (P = 0.017). In addition, the risk allele was associated with greater atheroma burden and stenosis in the CAVA cohort (P = 0.003, P = 0.04 respectively). The risk allele remained predictive of atheroma burden in multivariate analysis (Model 1: covariates age, gender, and LDL, regression coefficient = 9.578, SE = 3.657, p = 0.0110; Model 2: covariates Model 1, presence of hypertension, presence of diabetes, regression coefficient = 8.389, SE = 4.788, p = 0.0163). Conclusions We present additional cohorts that demonstrate association of ID3 SNP rs11574 directly with human coronary artery pathology as measured by CAC and IVUS: one a multiethnic, relatively healthy population with low levels of diabetes and the second a predominantly White population with a higher incidence of T2DM referred for cardiac catheterization.
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Huang Q, Yang QD, Tan XL, Feng J, Tang T, Xia J, Zhang L, Huang L, Bai YP, Liu YH. Absence of association between atherosclerotic cerebral infarction and TNFSF4/TNFRSF4 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1234313, rs1234314 and rs17568 in a Chinese population. J Int Med Res 2014; 42:436-43. [PMID: 24595151 DOI: 10.1177/0300060514521154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify the association between atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (ACI) and the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs1234313 and rs1234314 (in TNFSF4) and rs17568 (in TNFRSF4). METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of patients with ACI and healthy control subjects. The presence of carotid plaque was determined. Rs1234313, rs1234314 and rs17568 were characterized via SNP genotyping assay and verified by DNA sequencing. RESULTS Genotype distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There were no significant differences in the allele and genotype distributions of rs1234313, rs1234314 and rs17568 between patients with ACI (n = 450) and healthy control subjects (n = 378), or between patients with ACI and carotid plaque (n = 342) and controls. CONCLUSIONS There were no significant associations between rs1234313, rs1234314 and rs17568 and ACI risk in a Han Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Jiang H, Li X, Zhang X, Liu Y, Huang S, Wang X. EphA2 knockdown attenuates atherosclerotic lesion development in ApoE(-/-) mice. Cardiovasc Pathol 2014; 23:169-74. [PMID: 24561077 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inflammatory response of vascular endothelial cells plays important roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. EphA2 receptor activation promotes the endothelial cell inflammatory response, and its expression is increased in the endothelial cell layer of atherosclerotic plaques. However, the association between EphA2 and atherosclerosis has not been determined. METHODS Eight-week-old male ApoE(-/-) mice were systemically infected with adenoassociated virus serotype 9 carrying a small hairpin RNA specifically targeting the EphA2 gene to knock down EphA2 expression in aortic endothelial cells. These mice were then fed a high-cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. Blood was collected for the measurement of plasma lipids. The aortas were harvested to evaluate the atherosclerotic lesion size, macrophage components, and expression of proinflammatory genes using Oil Red O staining, immunofluorescence staining, and molecular biology analysis. RESULTS The lesions formed in the entire aorta and aortic sinus of the ApoE(-/-) mice with EphA2 knockdown were significantly smaller than those in the control mice (10.7%±3.1% versus 25.1%±4.2%; 0.51±0.02mm(2) versus 0.85±0.03mm(2); n=10; P<.05). Furthermore, the lesions in the ApoE(-/-) mice with EphA2 knockdown displayed reduced inflammation compared with the control mice, as reflected by the decreased macrophage infiltration (8.2%±2.9% versus 22.7%±4%; n=10; P<.05); decreased nuclear factor-κβ activation; and diminished expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (all P<.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that the EphA2 receptor silencing attenuates the extent and inflammation of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE(-/-) mice. Thus, EphA2 knockdown in endothelial cells represents a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xinyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shanying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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Zhao L, Grosser T, Fries S, Kadakia L, Wang H, Zhao J, Falotico R. Lipoxygenase and prostaglandin G/H synthase cascades in cardiovascular disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 2:649-58. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2.4.649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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15
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Leança CC, Nunes VS, Panzoldo NB, Zago VS, Parra ES, Cazita PM, Jauhiainen M, Passarelli M, Nakandakare ER, de Faria EC, Quintão ECR. Metabolism of plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein parameters are related to a higher degree of insulin sensitivity in high HDL-C healthy normal weight subjects. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2013; 12:173. [PMID: 24267726 PMCID: PMC4222276 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2840-12-173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have searched if plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration interferes simultaneously with whole-body cholesterol metabolism and insulin sensitivity in normal weight healthy adult subjects. Methods We have measured the activities of several plasma components that are critically influenced by insulin and that control lipoprotein metabolism in subjects with low and high HDL-C concentrations. These parameters included cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT), post-heparin lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), pre-beta-1HDL, and plasma sterol markers of cholesterol synthesis and intestinal absorption. Results In the high-HDL-C group, we found lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, insulin, HOMA-IR index, activities of LCAT and HL compared with the low HDL-C group; additionally, we found higher activity of LPL and pre-beta-1HDL concentration in the high-HDL-C group. There were no differences in the plasma CETP and PLTP activities. Conclusions These findings indicate that in healthy hyperalphalipoproteinemia subjects, several parameters that control the metabolism of plasma cholesterol and lipoproteins are related to a higher degree of insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila C Leança
- Lipids Laboratory (LIM-10), Endocrinology and Metabolism Division of Hospital das Clinicas, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av, Dr, Arnaldo, 455 - room 3305, Sao Paulo CEP 01246-00, Brazil.
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Perry HM, Oldham SN, Fahl SP, Que X, Gonen A, Harmon DB, Tsimikas S, Witztum JL, Bender TP, McNamara CA. Helix-loop-helix factor inhibitor of differentiation 3 regulates interleukin-5 expression and B-1a B cell proliferation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2013; 33:2771-9. [PMID: 24115031 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.113.302571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Natural immunity is emerging as an important mediator of protection from atherogenesis. Natural IgM antibodies that recognize oxidation-specific epitopes on low-density lipoprotein or phospholipids and the B-1a B cells that produce them attenuate atherosclerosis. We previously demonstrated that Apoe(-/-) mice globally deficient in the helix-loop-helix protein inhibitor of differentiation 3 (Id3) develop early diet-induced atherosclerosis. Furthermore, B cell-mediated attenuation of atherosclerosis in B cell-deficient mice was dependent on Id3. Here, we sought to determine whether Id3 regulates B-1a B cells and the natural antibodies that they produce and identify mechanisms mediating these effects. APPROACH AND RESULTS Mice lacking Id3 had significantly fewer B-1a B cells in the spleen and peritoneal cavity and reduced serum levels of the natural antibody E06. B cell-specific deletion of Id3 revealed that this effect was not because of the loss of Id3 in B cells. Interleukin (IL)-33 induced abundant, Id3-dependent IL-5 production in the recently identified innate lymphoid cell, the natural helper (NH) cell, but not Th2 or mast cells. In addition, delivery of IL-5 to Id3-deficient mice restored B-1a B cell proliferation. B-1a B cells were present in aortic samples also containing NH cells. Aortic NH cells produced IL-5, a B-1a B cell mitogen in response to IL-33 stimulation. CONCLUSIONS These studies are the first to identify NH and B-1a B cells in the aorta and provide evidence that Id3 is a key regulator of NH cell IL-5 production and B-1a B cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Perry
- From the Cardiovascular Research Center (H.M.P., S.N.O., D.B.H., C.A.M.), Department of Pathology (H.M.P.), Department of Medicine (S.N.O.), Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research (S.P.F., C.A.M.), Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology (S.P.F., T.P.B.), Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics (D.B.H., T.P.B.), Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division (C.A.M.), Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics (C.A.M.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (X.Q., A.G., S.T., J.L.W.)
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Rowlan JS, Li Q, Manichaikul A, Wang Q, Matsumoto AH, Shi W. Atherosclerosis susceptibility Loci identified in an extremely atherosclerosis-resistant mouse strain. J Am Heart Assoc 2013; 2:e000260. [PMID: 23938286 PMCID: PMC3828785 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.113.000260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background C3H/HeJ (C3H) mice are extremely resistant to atherosclerosis, especially males. To understand the underlying genetic basis, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on a male F2 (the second generation from an intercross between 2 inbred strains) cohort derived from an intercross between C3H and C57BL/6 (B6) apolipoprotein E–deficient (Apoe−/−) mice. Methods and Results Two hundred forty‐six male F2 mice were started on a Western diet at 8 weeks of age and kept on the diet for 5 weeks. Atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root and fasting plasma lipid levels were measured. One hundred thirty‐four microsatellite markers across the entire genome were genotyped. Four significant QTLs on chromosomes (Chr) 2, 4, 9, and 15 and 4 suggestive loci on Chr1, Chr4, and Chr7 were identified for atherosclerotic lesions. Unexpectedly, the C3H allele was associated with increased lesion formation for 2 of the 4 significant QTLs. Six loci for high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), 6 for non‐HDL cholesterol, and 3 for triglycerides were also identified. The QTL for atherosclerosis on Chr9 replicated Ath29, originally mapped in a female F2 cohort derived from B6 and C3H Apoe−/− mice. This locus coincided with a QTL for HDL, and there was a moderate, but statistically significant, correlation between atherosclerotic lesion sizes and plasma HDL cholesterol levels in F2 mice. Conclusions These data indicate that most atherosclerosis susceptibility loci are distinct from those for plasma lipids except for the Chr9 locus, which exerts effect through interactions with HDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Rowlan
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (J.S.R., Q.L., Q.W., A.H.M., W.S.)
| | - Qiongzhen Li
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (J.S.R., Q.L., Q.W., A.H.M., W.S.)
| | - Ani Manichaikul
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (A.M.)
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (J.S.R., Q.L., Q.W., A.H.M., W.S.)
| | - Alan H. Matsumoto
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (J.S.R., Q.L., Q.W., A.H.M., W.S.)
| | - Weibin Shi
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (J.S.R., Q.L., Q.W., A.H.M., W.S.)
- Department Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (W.S.)
- Correspondence to: Weibin Shi, University of Virginia, Box 801339, Snyder 266, 480 Ray C Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22908. E‐mail:
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Funk SD, Orr AW. Ephs and ephrins resurface in inflammation, immunity, and atherosclerosis. Pharmacol Res 2013; 67:42-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Srivastava U, Paigen BJ, Korstanje R. Differences in health status affect susceptibility and mapping of genetic loci for atherosclerosis (fatty streak) in inbred mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2012; 32:2380-6. [PMID: 22837474 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.112.255703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We observed differences in atherosclerosis susceptibility in mouse inbred strains over the years as the health status of our animal rooms increased. Therefore, we investigated the effect of animal room health status on atherosclerosis susceptibility in different strains. As these data can also be used for genome-wide association mapping, we performed a mapping study and compared our results with previously found quantitative trait loci for atherosclerosis in mouse and humans. METHODS AND RESULTS Males and females from 48 inbred strains were housed in 2 animal rooms with different health status and given an atherogenic diet. We compared atherosclerosis susceptibility between animal rooms and between sexes and found that susceptibility is dependent on both health status and sex. Subsequently, the data were used for associations with loci on the mouse genome using 63 222 single nucleotide polymorphism. Three loci in males and 4 loci in females were identified using the data from the low-health status room. No significant associations were identified using the data from the high-health status room. CONCLUSIONS Health status influences susceptibility to atherosclerosis and suggests that microbiological pressure plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis in many strains. As we were only able to map susceptibility loci using the data from the lower health status room, we argue that susceptibility under these conditions is determined by a few key loci, whereas in the higher health status room different mechanisms might play a role in the differences in atherosclerosis susceptibility between strains and we did not have enough power to map the loci that are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujala Srivastava
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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Lusis AJ. Genetics of atherosclerosis. Trends Genet 2012; 28:267-75. [PMID: 22480919 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from the past several years have provided the first unbiased evidence of the genes contributing to common cardiovascular disease traits in European and some Asian populations. The results not only confirmed the importance of prior knowledge, such as the central role of lipoproteins, but also revealed that there is still much to learn about the underlying mechanisms of this disease, as most of the associated genes do not appear to be involved in pathways previously connected to atherosclerosis. In this review, I focus on the common forms of the disease and look at both human and animal model studies. I summarize what was known before GWAS, highlight how the field has been changed by GWAS, and discuss future considerations, such as the limitations of GWAS and strategies that may lead to a more complete, mechanistic understanding of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldons J Lusis
- University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
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Capra V, Bäck M, Barbieri SS, Camera M, Tremoli E, Rovati GE. Eicosanoids and Their Drugs in Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on Atherosclerosis and Stroke. Med Res Rev 2012; 33:364-438. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Capra
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences; University of Milan; Via Balzaretti 9 20133 Milan Italy
| | - Magnus Bäck
- Department of Cardiology and Center for Molecular Medicine; Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
| | | | - Marina Camera
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences; University of Milan; Via Balzaretti 9 20133 Milan Italy
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino; I.R.C.C.S Milan Italy
| | - Elena Tremoli
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences; University of Milan; Via Balzaretti 9 20133 Milan Italy
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino; I.R.C.C.S Milan Italy
| | - G. Enrico Rovati
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences; University of Milan; Via Balzaretti 9 20133 Milan Italy
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Stylianou IM, Bauer RC, Reilly MP, Rader DJ. Genetic basis of atherosclerosis: insights from mice and humans. Circ Res 2012; 110:337-55. [PMID: 22267839 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.110.230854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex and heritable disease involving multiple cell types and the interactions of many different molecular pathways. The genetic and molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis have, in part, been elucidated by mouse models; at least 100 different genes have been shown to influence atherosclerosis in mice. Importantly, unbiased genome-wide association studies have recently identified a number of novel loci robustly associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Here, we review the genetic data elucidated from mouse models of atherosclerosis, as well as significant associations for human coronary artery disease. Furthermore, we discuss in greater detail some of these novel human coronary artery disease loci. The combination of mouse and human genetics has the potential to identify and validate novel genes that influence atherosclerosis, some of which may be candidates for new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M Stylianou
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 654 BRBII/III Labs, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-6160, USA
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Zhang Z, Rowlan JS, Wang Q, Shi W. Genetic analysis of atherosclerosis and glucose homeostasis in an intercross between C57BL/6 and BALB/cJ apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 5:190-201. [PMID: 22294616 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.111.961649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic patients have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and related complications compared with nondiabetic individuals. The increased cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes is due in part to genetic variations that influence both glucose homeostasis and atherosclerotic lesion growth. Mouse strains C57BL/6J (B6) and BALB/cJ (BALB) exhibit distinct differences in fasting plasma glucose and atherosclerotic lesion size when deficient in apolipoprotein E (Apoe(-/-)). Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed to determine genetic factors influencing the 2 phenotypes. METHODS AND RESULTS Female F(2) mice (n=266) were generated from an intercross between B6.Apoe(-/-) and BALB.Apoe(-/-) mice and fed a Western diet for 12 weeks. Atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root, fasting plasma glucose, and body weight were measured. 130 microsatellite markers across the entire genome were genotyped. Four significant QTLs, Ath1 on chromosome (Chr) 1, Ath41 on Chr2, Ath42 on Chr5, and Ath29 on Chr9, and 1 suggestive QTL on Chr4, were identified for atherosclerotic lesion size. Four significant QTLs, Bglu3 and Bglu12 on Chr1, Bglu13 on Chr5, Bglu15 on Chr12, and 2 suggestive QTLs on Chr9 and Chr15 were identified for fasting glucose levels on the chow diet. Two significant QTLs, Bglu3 and Bglu13, and 1 suggestive locus on Chr8 were identified for fasting glucose on the Western diet. One significant locus on Chr1 and 2 suggestive loci on Chr9 and Chr19 were identified for body weight. Ath1 and Ath42 coincided with Bglu3 and Bglu13, respectively, in the confidence interval. CONCLUSIONS We have identified novel QTLs that have major influences on atherosclerotic lesion size and glucose homeostasis. The colocalization of QTLs for atherosclerosis and diabetes suggests possible genetic connections between the 2 diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Zhang
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Imaging and of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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24
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Kuo CL, Murphy AJ, Sayers S, Li R, Yvan-Charvet L, Davis JZ, Krishnamurthy J, Liu Y, Puig O, Sharpless NE, Tall AR, Welch CL. Cdkn2a is an atherosclerosis modifier locus that regulates monocyte/macrophage proliferation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2012; 31:2483-92. [PMID: 21868699 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.111.234492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Common genetic variants in a 58-kb region of chromosome 9p21, near the CDKN2A/CDKN2B tumor suppressor locus, are strongly associated with coronary artery disease. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We previously reported a congenic mouse model harboring an atherosclerosis susceptibility locus and the region of homology with the human 9p21 locus. Microarray and transcript-specific expression analyses showed markedly decreased Cdkn2a expression, including both p16(INK4a) and p19(ARF), but not Cdkn2b (p15(INK4b)), in macrophages derived from congenic mice compared with controls. Atherosclerosis studies in subcongenic strains revealed genetic complexity and narrowed 1 locus to a small interval including Cdkn2a/b. Bone marrow (BM) transplantation studies implicated myeloid lineage cells as the culprit cell type, rather than resident vascular cells. To directly test the role of BM-derived Cdkn2a transcripts in atherogenesis and inflammatory cell proliferation, we performed a transplantation study using Cdkn2a(-/-) cells in the Ldlr(-/-) mouse model. Cdkn2a-deficient BM recipients exhibited accelerated atherosclerosis, increased Ly6C proinflammatory monocytes, and increased monocyte/macrophage proliferation compared with controls. CONCLUSION These data provide a plausible mechanism for accelerated atherogenesis in susceptible congenic mice, involving decreased expression of Cdkn2a and increased proliferation of monocyte/macrophages, with possible relevance to the 9p21 human locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Ling Kuo
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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25
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Funk SD, Yurdagul A, Albert P, Traylor JG, Jin L, Chen J, Orr AW. EphA2 activation promotes the endothelial cell inflammatory response: a potential role in atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2012; 32:686-95. [PMID: 22247258 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.111.242792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endothelial cell activation results in altered cell-cell interactions with adjacent endothelial cells and with infiltrating leukocytes. Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands regulate cell-cell interactions during tissue remodeling, and multiple proinflammatory mediators induce endothelial EphA receptor and ephrinA ligand expression. Therefore, we sought to elucidate the role of EphA receptors and ephrinA ligands in endothelial cell activation and atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction screening for EphA/ephrinA expression in atherosclerosis-prone macrovascular endothelium identified EphA2, EphA4, and ephrinA1 as the dominant isoforms. Endothelial activation with oxidized low-density lipoprotein and proinflammatory cytokines induced EphA2 and ephrinA1 expression and sustained EphA2 activation, whereas EphA4 expression was unaffected. Atherosclerotic plaques from mice and humans showed enhanced EphA2 and ephrinA1 expression colocalizing in the endothelial cell layer. EphA2 activation with recombinant Fc-ephrinA1 induced proinflammatory gene expression (eg vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin) and stimulated monocyte adhesion, whereas inhibiting EphA2 (small interfering RNA, pharmacological inhibitors) abrogated both ephrinA1-induced and oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression. CONCLUSION The current data suggest that enhanced EphA2 signaling during endothelial cell activation perpetuates proinflammatory gene expression. Coupled with EphA2 expression in mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques, these data implicate EphA2 as a novel proinflammatory mediator and potential regulator of atherosclerotic plaque development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Daniel Funk
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1501 King's Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
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26
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Mallat Z, Lambeau G, Tedgui A. Lipoprotein-associated and secreted phospholipases A₂ in cardiovascular disease: roles as biological effectors and biomarkers. Circulation 2010; 122:2183-200. [PMID: 21098459 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.110.936393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Mallat
- INSERM, Paris-Cardiovascular Research Center, Université Paris Descartes, UMR, Paris, France
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27
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Human lipoxygenase pathway gene variation and association with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in the diabetes heart study. Mediators Inflamm 2010; 2010:170153. [PMID: 20592751 PMCID: PMC2878676 DOI: 10.1155/2010/170153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Revised: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims. Genes of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway are compelling candidates for atherosclerosis. We hypothesize that polymorphisms in ALOX12, ALOX15, ALOX5, and ALOX5AP genes are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in multiple vascular beds. Methods. Families with two or more siblings with type 2 diabetes and their nondiabetic siblings were studied as part of the Diabetes Heart Study (DHS). European American diabetic (n = 828) and nondiabetic (n = 170) siblings were genotyped for SNPs in the ALOX12, ALOX15, ALOX5, and ALOX5AP genes. Subclinical measures of atherosclerosis (IMT, coronary (CorCP), carotid (CarCP) and aortic (AorCP) calcified plaque) were obtained. Results. Associations were observed between ALOX12 with CorCP, ALOX5 with CorCP, AorCP, and IMT, and ALOX5AP with CorCP and CarCP, independent of known epidemiologic risk factors. Further, lipoxygenase pathway SNPs that were associated with measures of atherosclerosis were associated with markers of inflammation (CRP, ICAM-1) and calcification (MGP).
Conclusions. Polymorphisms within ALOX12, ALOX5, and ALOX5AP are genetically associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and with biomarkers of disease in families with type 2 diabetes. These results suggest that variants in lipoxygenase pathway genes may have pleiotropic effects on multiple components that determine risk of cardiovascular disease.
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28
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Doran AC, Lehtinen AB, Meller N, Lipinski MJ, Slayton RP, Oldham SN, Skaflen MD, Yeboah J, Rich SS, Bowden DW, McNamara CA. Id3 is a novel atheroprotective factor containing a functionally significant single-nucleotide polymorphism associated with intima-media thickness in humans. Circ Res 2010; 106:1303-11. [PMID: 20185798 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.109.210294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The gene encoding the helix-loop-helix transcription factor Id3 (inhibitor of differentiation-3) is located within atherosclerosis susceptibility loci of both mice and humans, yet its influence on atherosclerosis is not known. OBJECTIVE The present study sought to determine whether polymorphisms in the ID3 gene were associated with indices of atherosclerosis in humans and if loss of Id3 function modulated atherogenesis in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS Six tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (tagSNPs) in the human ID3 gene were assessed in participants of the Diabetes Heart Study. One tagSNP, rs11574, was independently associated with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). The human ID3 variant at rs11574 results in an alanine to threonine substitution in the C terminus. To determine the effect of this polymorphism on the basic function of Id3, site-directed mutagenesis of the human ID3 gene at rs11574 was performed. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in coimmunoprecipitation of the known E-protein partner, E12, with Id3 when it contains the sequence encoded by the risk allele (Id3105T). Further, Id3105T had an attenuated ability to modulate E12-mediated transcriptional activation compared to Id3 containing the ancestral allele (Id3105A). Microarray analysis of vascular smooth muscle cells from WT and Id3(-/-) mice revealed significant modulation of multiple gene pathways implicated in atherogenesis. Moreover, Id3(-/-)ApoE(-/-) mice developed significantly more atherosclerosis in response to 32 weeks of Chow or Western diet feeding than Id3(+/+)ApoE(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, results provide novel evidence that Id3 is an atheroprotective factor and link a common SNP in the human ID3 gene to loss of Id3 function and increased IMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Doran
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Tanaka J, Qiang L, Banks AS, Welch CL, Matsumoto M, Kitamura T, Ido-Kitamura Y, DePinho RA, Accili D. Foxo1 links hyperglycemia to LDL oxidation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase dysfunction in vascular endothelial cells. Diabetes 2009; 58:2344-54. [PMID: 19584310 PMCID: PMC2750207 DOI: 10.2337/db09-0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes. Generation of oxidized LDLs and reduced nitric oxide (NO) availability because of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) dysfunction are critical events in atherosclerotic plaque formation. Biochemical mechanism leading from hyperglycemia to oxLDL formation and eNOS dysfunction is unknown. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We show that glucose, acting through oxidative stress, activates the transcription factor Foxo1 in vascular endothelial cells. RESULTS Foxo1 promotes inducible NOS (iNOS)-dependent NO-peroxynitrite generation, which leads in turn to LDL oxidation and eNOS dysfunction. We demonstrate that Foxo1 gain-of-function mimics the effects of hyperglycemia on this process, whereas conditional Foxo1 knockout in vascular endothelial cells prevents it. CONCLUSIONS The findings reveal a hitherto unsuspected role of the endothelial iNOS-NO-peroxynitrite pathway in lipid peroxidation and eNOS dysfunction and suggest that Foxo1 activation in response to hyperglycemia brings about proatherogenic changes in vascular endothelial cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Li Qiang
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Alexander S. Banks
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Carrie L. Welch
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Michihiro Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Tadahiro Kitamura
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Yukari Ido-Kitamura
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Ronald A. DePinho
- Center for Applied Cancer Science, Departments of Medical Oncology, Medicine and Genetics, and Belfer Institute for Innovative Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Domenico Accili
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York
- Corresponding author: Domenico Accili,
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30
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Bennett BJ, Wang SS, Wang X, Wu X, Lusis AJ. Genetic regulation of atherosclerotic plaque size and morphology in the innominate artery of hyperlipidemic mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2009; 29:348-55. [PMID: 19122174 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.108.176685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the genetic factors contributing to atherosclerotic plaque size and cellular composition in the innominate artery, a murine model of advanced atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined genetic contributions to innominate atherosclerotic plaque size and cellular composition in an intercross between C57BL/6J.Apoe(-/-), a strain susceptible to aortic lesions, and C3H/HeJ.Apoe(-/-), a strain resistant to aortic lesions. Surprisingly, total innominate lesion size was similar in the two strains. Genetic analyses identified one novel locus on Chromosome 2 for innominate artery lesion size, a significant locus for fibrous cap thickness on Chromosome 15, and several suggestive loci for cellular composition, all distinct from loci influencing aortic lesions. The Chromosome 2 locus contains a candidate, CD44. We show that CD44 is expressed in the innominate artery and differs strikingly in expression between the parental strains. CONCLUSION Multiple aspects of innominate lesion composition are genetically determined, but in a manner largely independent of the genetic contributions to aortic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Bennett
- Department of Medicine, 675 Charles E. Young Dr South, 3730 MRL, School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA.
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31
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Seidelmann SB, Kuo C, Pleskac N, Molina J, Sayers S, Li R, Zhou J, Johnson P, Braun K, Chan C, Teupser D, Breslow JL, Wight TN, Tall AR, Welch CL. Athsq1 is an atherosclerosis modifier locus with dramatic effects on lesion area and prominent accumulation of versican. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2008; 28:2180-6. [PMID: 18818413 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.108.176800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Susceptibility to atherosclerosis is genetically complex, and modifier genes that do not operate via traditional risk factors are largely unknown. A mouse genetics approach can simplify the genetic analysis and provide tools for mechanistic studies. METHODS AND RESULTS We previously identified atherosclerosis susceptibility QTL (Athsq1) on chromosome 4 acting independently of systemic risk factors. We now report confirmation of this locus in congenic strains carrying the MOLF-derived susceptibility allele in the C57BL/6J-Ldlr(-/-) genetic background. Homozygous congenic mice exhibited up to 4.5-fold greater lesion area compared to noncongenic littermates (P<0.0001). Analysis of extracellular matrix composition revealed prominent accumulation of versican, a presumed proatherogenic matrix component abundant in human lesions but almost absent in the widely-used C57BL/6 murine atherosclerosis model. The results of a bone marrow transplantation experiment suggested that both accelerated lesion development and versican accumulation are mediated, at least in part, by macrophages. Interestingly, comparative mapping revealed that the Athsq1 congenic interval contains the mouse region homologous to a widely-replicated CHD locus on human chromosome 9p21. CONCLUSIONS These studies confirm the proatherogenic activity of a novel gene(s) in the MOLF-derived Athsq1 locus and provide in vivo evidence for a causative role of versican in lesion development.
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32
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Jönsson-Rylander AC, Lundin S, Rosengren B, Pettersson C, Hurt-Camejo E. Role of secretory phospholipases in atherogenesis. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2008; 10:252-9. [PMID: 18489854 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-008-0039-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Elevated circulating levels of secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. sPLA(2) can contribute to atherogenesis by hydrolyzing phospholipids of circulating lipoproteins and lipoproteins entrapped in the arterial wall and/or in cells that reside in the intima and that participate in the inflammatory response to lipoprotein deposition. This article reviews differences and similarities between sPLA(2)-IIA, sPLA(2)-V, and sPLA(2)-X, all of which are members of this family of enzymes with reported potential proatherogenic features. Published data suggest that each of the enzymes has a distinct profile characterized by differences in tissue expression and localization, capacity to act on phospholipids of cell membranes and lipoproteins, and their interaction with arterial proteoglycans. In addition, the article discusses results from the authors' laboratory showing that diet-induced or gene-induced hyperlipidemia in mice enhances the expression of sPLA(2)-V in different tissues, but not sPLA(2)-IIA. Such differences indicate that these enzymes may have different roles in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through their distinct profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Cathrine Jönsson-Rylander
- AstraZeneca, R&D, Bioscience, Mölndal S-431 83, Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gotheburg, Sweden
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Dokmanovic-Chouinard M, Chung WK, Chevre JC, Watson E, Yonan J, Wiegand B, Bromberg Y, Wakae N, Wright CV, Overton J, Ghosh S, Sathe GM, Ammala CE, Brown KK, Ito R, LeDuc C, Solomon K, Fischer SG, Leibel RL. Positional cloning of "Lisch-Like", a candidate modifier of susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in mice. PLoS Genet 2008; 4:e1000137. [PMID: 18654634 PMCID: PMC2464733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2007] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In 404 Lepob/ob F2 progeny of a C57BL/6J (B6) x DBA/2J (DBA) intercross, we mapped a DBA-related quantitative trait locus (QTL) to distal Chr1 at 169.6 Mb, centered about D1Mit110, for diabetes-related phenotypes that included blood glucose, HbA1c, and pancreatic islet histology. The interval was refined to 1.8 Mb in a series of B6.DBA congenic/subcongenic lines also segregating for Lepob. The phenotypes of B6.DBA congenic mice include reduced β-cell replication rates accompanied by reduced β-cell mass, reduced insulin/glucose ratio in blood, reduced glucose tolerance, and persistent mild hypoinsulinemic hyperglycemia. Nucleotide sequence and expression analysis of 14 genes in this interval identified a predicted gene that we have designated “Lisch-like” (Ll) as the most likely candidate. The gene spans 62.7 kb on Chr1qH2.3, encoding a 10-exon, 646–amino acid polypeptide, homologous to Lsr on Chr7qB1 and to Ildr1 on Chr16qB3. The largest isoform of Ll is predicted to be a transmembrane molecule with an immunoglobulin-like extracellular domain and a serine/threonine-rich intracellular domain that contains a 14-3-3 binding domain. Morpholino knockdown of the zebrafish paralog of Ll resulted in a generalized delay in endodermal development in the gut region and dispersion of insulin-positive cells. Mice segregating for an ENU-induced null allele of Ll have phenotypes comparable to the B.D congenic lines. The human ortholog, C1orf32, is in the middle of a 30-Mb region of Chr1q23-25 that has been repeatedly associated with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounts for over 90% of instances of diabetes and is a leading cause of medical morbidity and mortality. Twin studies indicate a strong polygenic contribution to susceptibility within the context of obesity. Although approximately ten genes making important contributions to individual risk have been identified, it is clear that others remain to be identified. In this study, we intercrossed obese, diabetes-resistant and diabetes-prone mouse strains to implicate a genetic interval on mouse Chr1 associated with reduced β-cell numbers and elevated blood glucose. We narrowed the region using molecular genetics and computational approaches to identify a novel gene we designated “Lisch-like” (Ll). The orthologous human genetic interval has been repeatedly implicated in T2D. Mice with an induced mutation that reduces Ll expression are impaired in both β-cell development and glucose metabolism, and reduced expression of the homologous gene in zebrafish disrupts islet development. Ll is expressed in organs implicated in the pathophysiology of T2D (hypothalamus, islets, liver, and skeletal muscle) and is predicted to encode a transmembrane protein that could mediate cholesterol transport and/or convey signals related to cell division. Either mechanism could mediate effects on β-cell mass that would predispose to T2D.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Blood Glucose/genetics
- Chromosomes, Mammalian
- Cloning, Molecular
- Crosses, Genetic
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Glucose Tolerance Test/methods
- Haplotypes
- Homozygote
- Insulin/blood
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Congenic
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Mice, Obese
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Mutation
- Protein Isoforms/chemistry
- Protein Isoforms/genetics
- Quantitative Trait Loci
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy K. Chung
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jean-Claude Chevre
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Watson
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jason Yonan
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Beebe Wiegand
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yana Bromberg
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nao Wakae
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Chris V. Wright
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - John Overton
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sujoy Ghosh
- Clinical Pharmacology and Discovery Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ganesh M. Sathe
- Discovery Technology Group, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Carina E. Ammala
- Center of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kathleen K. Brown
- Center of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rokuro Ito
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Charles LeDuc
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Keely Solomon
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Stuart G. Fischer
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rudolph L. Leibel
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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34
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Li Q, Li Y, Zhang Z, Gilbert TR, Matsumoto AH, Dobrin SE, Shi W. Quantitative trait locus analysis of carotid atherosclerosis in an intercross between C57BL/6 and C3H apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Stroke 2007; 39:166-73. [PMID: 18048852 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.107.492165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inbred mouse strains C57BL/6J (B6) and C3H/HeJ (C3H) exhibit marked differences in atherosclerotic lesion formation in the carotid arteries on the apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE(-/-)) background when fed a Western diet. Quantitative trait locus analysis was performed on an intercross between B6.apoE(-/-) and C3H.apoE(-/-) mice to determine genetic factors contributing to variation in the phenotype. METHODS Female B6.apoE(-/-) mice were crossed with male C3H.apoE(-/-) mice to generate F(1) hybrids, which were intercrossed to generate 241 female F(2) progeny. At 6 weeks of age, F(2) mice were started on a Western diet. After being fed the diet for 12 weeks, F(2) mice were analyzed for phenotypes such as lesion size in the left carotid arteries and plasma lipid levels and typed for 154 genetic markers spanning the mouse genome. RESULTS One significant quantitative trait locus, named CAth1 (25 cM, log of the odds score: 4.5), on chromosome 12 and 4 suggestive quantitative trait loci, on chromosomes 1, 5, 6, and 11, respectively, were identified to influence carotid lesion size. One significant quantitative trait locus on distal chromosome 1 accounted for major variations in plasma low-density lipoprotein/very-low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Carotid lesion size was not significantly correlated with plasma low-density lipoprotein/very-low-density lipoprotein or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the loci for carotid lesions do not overlap with those for aortic lesions as identified in a previous cross derived from the same parental strains, and carotid atherosclerosis and plasma lipids are controlled by separate genetic factors in the B6 and C3H mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongzhen Li
- Department of Radiology and the Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Chen Y, Rollins J, Paigen B, Wang X. Genetic and genomic insights into the molecular basis of atherosclerosis. Cell Metab 2007; 6:164-79. [PMID: 17767904 PMCID: PMC2083632 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2007.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2006] [Revised: 06/18/2007] [Accepted: 07/06/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex disease involving genetic and environmental risk factors, acting on their own or in synergy. Within the general population, polymorphisms within genes in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and thrombogenesis are probably responsible for the wide range of susceptibility to myocardial infarction, a fatal consequence of atherosclerosis. Genetic linkage studies have been carried out in both humans and mouse models to identify these polymorphisms. Approximately 40 quantitative trait loci for atherosclerotic disease have been found in humans, and approximately 30 in mice. Recently, genome-wide association studies have been used to identify atherosclerosis-susceptibility polymorphisms. Although discovering new atherosclerosis genes through these approaches remains challenging, the pace at which these polymorphisms are being found is accelerating due to rapidly improving bioinformatics resources and biotechnologies. The outcome of these efforts will not only unveil the molecular basis of atherosclerosis but also facilitate the discovery of drug targets and individualized medication against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyu Chen
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
| | - Jarod Rollins
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
| | - Beverly Paigen
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
| | - Xiaosong Wang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- *Address correspondence to: Xiaosong Wang, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, 100 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139. Tel.: (+1) 617 871 7285; Fax: (+1) 617 871 7053; E-mail:
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36
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Wang SS, Schadt EE, Wang H, Wang X, Ingram-Drake L, Shi W, Drake TA, Lusis AJ. Identification of pathways for atherosclerosis in mice: integration of quantitative trait locus analysis and global gene expression data. Circ Res 2007; 101:e11-30. [PMID: 17641228 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.107.152975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We report a combined genetic and genomic analysis of atherosclerosis in a cross between the strains C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J on a hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-null background. We incorporated sex and sex-by-genotype interactions into our model selection procedure to identify 10 quantitative trait loci for lesion size, revealing a level of complexity greater than previously thought. Of the known risk factors for atherosclerosis, plasma triglyceride levels and plasma glucose to insulin ratios were particularly strongly, but negatively, associated with lesion size. We performed expression array analysis for 23,574 transcripts of the livers and adipose tissues of all 334 F2 mice and identified more than 10,000 expression quantitative trait loci that either mapped to the gene encoding the transcript, implying cis regulation, or to a separate locus, implying trans-regulation. The gene expression data allowed us to identify candidate genes that mapped to the atherosclerosis quantitative trait loci and for which the expression was regulated in cis. Genes highly correlated with lesions were enriched in certain known pathways involved in lesion development, including cholesterol metabolism, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and inflammation. Thus, global gene expression in peripheral tissues can reflect the systemic perturbations that contribute to atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna S Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, USA
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37
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Smith JD, Topol EJ. Identification of atherosclerosis-modifying genes: pathogenic insights and therapeutic potential. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2006; 4:703-9. [PMID: 17081092 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.4.5.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a common, complex trait, with genetic variation in many genes and the environment contributing to risk for this condition, which has multiple and highly variable phenotypic manifestations. Progress has been made in the identification of atherosclerosis-modifying genes in both human studies and through the use of animal models. In the future, it may be possible to administer a genetic test for variation in a handful of the most common atherosclerosis-modifier genes, and thus predict if a patient is likely to develop atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. These patients could then be treated aggressively to lower their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and other risk factors, including counseling to make adjustments in their lifestyle. This review will summarize the methods and results thus far in the identification of atherosclerosis-modifier genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Smith
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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38
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Rosengren B, Jönsson-Rylander AC, Peilot H, Camejo G, Hurt-Camejo E. Distinctiveness of secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA and V suggesting unique roles in atherosclerosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2006; 1761:1301-8. [PMID: 17070102 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2006.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2006] [Revised: 06/27/2006] [Accepted: 06/29/2006] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Clinical observations strongly support an association of circulating levels of secretory phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Two modes of action can provide causal support for these statistical correlations. One is the action of the enzymes on circulating lipoproteins and the other is direct action on the lipoproteins once in the arterial extracellular intima. In this review we discuss results suggesting a distinct profile of characteristics related to localization, action on plasma lipoproteins and interaction with arterial proteoglycans for sPLA(2)-IIA and sPLA(2)-V. The differences observed indicate that these enzymes may contribute to atherosclerosis through dissimilar pathways. Furthermore, we comment on recent animal studies from our laboratory indicating that the expression of type V enzyme is up-regulated by genetically and nutritionally-induced dyslipidemias but not the group type IIA enzyme, which is well known to be up-regulated by acute inflammation. The results suggest that if similar up-regulation occurs in humans in response to hyperlipidemia, it may create a distinctive link between the group V enzyme and the disease.
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39
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Rosengren B, Peilot H, Umaerus M, Jönsson-Rylander AC, Mattsson-Hultén L, Hallberg C, Cronet P, Rodriguez-Lee M, Hurt-Camejo E. Secretory Phospholipase A
2
Group V. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2006; 26:1579-85. [PMID: 16601231 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.0000221231.56617.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective—
To study the distribution of group V secretory phospholipase A
2
(sPLA
2
) in human and mouse lesions and compare its expression by human vascular cells, its activity toward lipoproteins, and the interaction with arterial proteoglycans (proteoglycans) with those of sPLA
2
-IIA. In addition, we also investigated the effect of a Western diet and lipopolysaccharide challenge on the aortic expression of these enzymes in mouse models.
Methods and Results—
Immunohistochemistry showed sPLA
2
-V in human and mouse lesions to be associated with smooth muscle cells and also surrounding foam cells in lipid core areas. mRNA of the enzyme was expressed in human lesions and human vascular cells, supporting the immunohistochemistry data. sPLA
2
-V but not sPLA
2
-IIA was active on lipoproteins in human serum. The association with proteoglycans enhanced 2- to 3-fold sPLA
2
-V activity toward low-density lipoproteins but not that of the group IIA enzyme. Experiments in mouse models showed that treatment with a Western diet induced expression of sPLA
2
-V but not that of sPLA
2
-IIA in aorta. On the other hand, lipopolysaccharide-induced acute inflammation augmented the expression of sPLA
2
-IIA but not that of sPLA
2
-V.
Conclusions—
These results indicate that these phospholipases could have different roles in atherosclerosis.
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40
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Trabetti E, Biscuola M, Cavallari U, Malerba G, Girelli D, Olivieri O, Martinelli N, Corrocher R, Pignatti PF. On the association of the oxidised LDL receptor 1 (OLR1) gene in patients with acute myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease. Eur J Hum Genet 2006; 14:127-30. [PMID: 16251892 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201513] [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] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The human oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1) gene is a functional candidate for atherosclerosis. An association of the OLR1 gene with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or coronary artery disease (CAD) has recently been reported. In the present study a total of 677 Italian subjects, 327 CAD-free, 350 CAD, of which 190 with AMI and 160 AMI-free, was genotyped for the following four OLR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms: exon 4 K167N, IVS4 -73C>T, IVS4 -14A>G, and 3'UTR 188 C>T. No statistically significant difference was observed in allele or genotype distribution of the exon 4, intron 4, or 3'UTR SNPs in CAD patients compared to CAD-free subjects, or within CAD, in AMI patients compared to AMI-free patients. A correlation was found between the K167N G/G genotype and the increased number of obstructed vessels. Even if the OLR1 genotype frequency distribution data in CAD or AMI subjects here reported do not fully confirm the positive results of some other association studies, an association with a marker of CAD severity was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Trabetti
- Department of Mother and Child and of Biology-Genetics, Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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41
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Han S, Liang CP, DeVries-Seimon T, Ranalletta M, Welch CL, Collins-Fletcher K, Accili D, Tabas I, Tall AR. Macrophage insulin receptor deficiency increases ER stress-induced apoptosis and necrotic core formation in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Cell Metab 2006; 3:257-66. [PMID: 16581003 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2006.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2005] [Revised: 12/27/2005] [Accepted: 02/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Insulin resistance in diabetes and metabolic syndrome is thought to increase susceptibility to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. To evaluate the possibility that decreased insulin signaling in macrophage foam cells might worsen atherosclerosis, Ldlr(-/-) mice were transplanted with insulin receptor Insr(+/+) or Insr(-/-) bone marrow. Western diet-fed Insr(-/-) recipients developed larger, more complex lesions with increased necrotic cores and increased numbers of apoptotic cells. Insr(-/-) macrophages showed diminished Akt phosphorylation and an augmented ER stress response, leading to induction of scavenger receptor A and increased apoptosis when challenged with cholesterol loading or nutrient deprivation. These studies suggest that defective insulin signaling and reduced Akt activity impair the ability of macrophages to deal with ER stress-induced apoptosis within atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongah Han
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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42
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Ria M, Eriksson P, Boquist S, Ericsson CG, Hamsten A, Lagercrantz J. Human genetic evidence that OX40 is implicated in myocardial infarction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 339:1001-6. [PMID: 16329997 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.11.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2005] [Accepted: 11/15/2005] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We recently showed that genetic variants in OX40L are associated with myocardial infarction (MI) and severity of coronary artery disease in human. A number of studies also suggest a possible role for OX40 (the OX40L receptor) as a factor contributing to atherosclerosis. In the present study, the OX40 gene was screened for variants associated with precocious MI, using individuals with MI before the age of 60 and controls. Despite the fact that the OX40 gene is highly conserved between species and that relatively few common genetic variants were encountered, an association with MI was seen for a polymorphism in intron 5 (rs2298212). In silico investigation suggested that genetic variation (rs2298211), linked to this intronic variant, is possibly affecting spliceosome function. Our results provide evidence that variants in human OX40 might influence susceptibility to MI. The relevance of these findings is supported by the vital functions fulfilled by OX40 in mammals as reflected by the high level of evolutionary conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Ria
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, King Gustaf V Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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43
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Su Z, Li Y, James JC, McDuffie M, Matsumoto AH, Helm GA, Weber JL, Lusis AJ, Shi W. Quantitative trait locus analysis of atherosclerosis in an intercross between C57BL/6 and C3H mice carrying the mutant apolipoprotein E gene. Genetics 2005; 172:1799-807. [PMID: 16387874 PMCID: PMC1456315 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.105.051912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inbred mouse strains C57BL/6J (B6) and C3H/HeJ (C3H) differ significantly in atherosclerosis susceptibility and plasma lipid levels on the apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) background when fed a Western diet. To determine genetic factors contributing to the variations in these phenotypes, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using an intercross between the two strains carrying the apoE-/- gene. Atherosclerotic lesions at the aortic root and plasma lipid levels of 234 female F2 mice were analyzed after being fed a Western diet for 12 weeks. QTL analysis revealed one significant QTL, named Ath22 (42 cM, LOD 4.1), on chromosome 9 and a suggestive QTL near D11mit236 (20 cM, LOD 2.4) on chromosome 11 that influenced atherosclerotic lesion size. One significant QTL on distal chromosome 1, which accounted for major variations in plasma LDL/VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, coincided with a QTL having strong effects on body weight. Plasma LDL/VLDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels of F2 mice were significantly correlated with body weight, but they were not correlated with atherosclerotic lesion sizes. These data indicate that atherosclerosis susceptibility and plasma cholesterol levels are controlled by separate genetic factors in the B6 and C3H mouse model and that genetic linkages exist between body weight and lipoprotein metabolism.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apolipoproteins E/deficiency
- Apolipoproteins E/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Body Weight/genetics
- Cholesterol, LDL/blood
- Cholesterol, LDL/genetics
- Cholesterol, VLDL/blood
- Cholesterol, VLDL/genetics
- Crosses, Genetic
- Female
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Lipoproteins, HDL/blood
- Lipoproteins, HDL/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mutation
- Quantitative Trait Loci
- Triglycerides/blood
- Triglycerides/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguang Su
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA
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44
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Teupser D, Tan M, Persky AD, Breslow JL. Atherosclerosis quantitative trait loci are sex- and lineage-dependent in an intercross of C57BL/6 and FVB/N low-density lipoprotein receptor-/- mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 103:123-8. [PMID: 16380418 PMCID: PMC1324999 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0509570102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex disease that is affected by environmental as well as genetic factors. The aim of the present study was to identify loci of atherosclerosis susceptibility in a cross of atherosclerosis-susceptible C57BL/6 and atherosclerosis-resistant FVB/N mice on the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR)-deficient background (LDLR(-/-)) and to test whether these loci are affected by lineage. A total of 459 F(2)s were generated in two ways: In cross "mB6xfFVB," male B6.LDLR(-/-) mice were crossed to female FVB.LDLR(-/-) mice to generate 107 female and 112 male F(2)s. In cross "mFVBxfB6," male FVB.LDLR(-/-) mice were crossed to female B6.LDLR(-/-) mice to generate 120 female and 120 male F(2)s. Animals were phenotyped for cross-sectional atherosclerotic lesion area at the aortic root, and a genome scan was carried out with 192 microsatellite markers. Quantitative trait locus mapping revealed significant loci of atherosclerosis susceptibility on chromosomes 3, 10, and 12. On chromosome 10 maximal logarithm of odds (LOD) scores of 13.1 (D10Mit16, 16 cM) and 5.7 (D10Mit168, 9 cM) were found in female and male mice, respectively. On chromosome 3, a maximal LOD score of 5.1 (D3Mit45, 79 cM) was detected only in females. On proximal chromosome 12 significant LOD scores were lineage-dependent, with maximal LOD scores of 3.9 (D12Mit82, 3 cM) and 4.8 (D12Mit189, 24 cM) present only in female mice of cross mB6xfFVB and male mice of cross mFVBxfB6, respectively. We conclude that, in this intercross, loci of atherosclerosis susceptibility are in part sex- and lineage-dependent. Awareness of these complexities may have major consequences for the identification of atherosclerosis susceptibility genes by quantitative trait locus mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Teupser
- Laboratory of Biochemical Genetics and Metabolism, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA
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45
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Smith JD, Bhasin JM, Baglione J, Settle M, Xu Y, Barnard J. Atherosclerosis susceptibility loci identified from a strain intercross of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice via a high-density genome scan. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2005; 26:597-603. [PMID: 16373612 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.0000201044.33220.5c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Apolipoprotein (apo) E-deficient mice are hypercholesterolemic and develop atherosclerosis on low-fat chow diets; however, the genetic background strain has a large effect on atherosclerosis susceptibility. This study aimed to determine the genetic regions associated with strain effects on lesion area. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a strain intercross between atherosclerosis sensitive DBA/2 and atherosclerosis resistant AKR apoE-deficient mice. Aortic root lesion area, total cholesterol, body weights, and complete blood counts were ascertained for 114 male and 95 female F2 progeny. A high-density genome scan was performed using a mouse single nucleotide polymorphism chip yielding 1967 informative polymorphic markers. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) statistical analyses were performed. Novel loci associated with lesion or log lesion area were identified for the female and male F2 cohorts. The atherosclerosis QTLs in female mice reside on chromosomes 15, 5, 3, and 13, and in male mice on chromosomes 17, 18, and 2. QTL were also identified for body weight, total cholesterol, and blood count parameters. CONCLUSIONS Loci were identified for atherosclerosis susceptibility in a strain intercross study. The identity of the responsible genes at these loci remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Smith
- Department of Cell Biology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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46
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Liu Y, Li D, Chen J, Xie J, Bandyopadhyay S, Zhang D, Nemarkommula AR, Liu H, Mehta JL, Hermonat PL. Inhibition of atherogenesis in LDLR knockout mice by systemic delivery of adeno-associated virus type 2-hIL-10. Atherosclerosis 2005; 188:19-27. [PMID: 16300768 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2005.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2005] [Revised: 09/28/2005] [Accepted: 10/06/2005] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the arteries. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is known to be an anti-inflammatory cytokine which might be useful for counteracting the development of atherosclerosis. As long-term systemic cytokine delivery is prohibitively expensive, gene therapy might be a suitable approach. To test this idea, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) knockout mice were injected with recombinant adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV)/interleukin-10 virus or AAV/granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) virus and then put on a high-cholesterol diet. Upon harvesting the animals at 18 weeks, elevated blood lipids could be documented and AAV/IL-10 and AAV/GM-CSF DNA and mRNA could be found in various mouse organs. The mice receiving the AAV/IL-10 virus had significantly lower levels of atherogenesis (Sudan IV-staining and histology) than the untreated or the AAV/GM-CSF-treated animals, dropping from 53% to 17% (p < 0.05). The aortas of the AAV/IL-10-treated animals displayed higher IL-10 expression and lower CD68 and nitrotyrosine expression. These data are similar to those of Yoshioka et al. [Yoshioka, T, Okada, T, Maeda, Y, et al. Adeno-associatedvirus vector-mediated interleukin-10 gene transfer inhibits atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Gene Ther 2004;11:1772-9] in which AAV/IL-10 was delivered into the tibial muscle of ApoE-deficient mice, instead of tail vein injection used here. These data indicate that systemic AAV/IL-10 gene delivery, with resulting inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, was able to limit atherogenesis, and suggest that this approach is worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gene Therapy Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Slot 532, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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47
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Funk CD. Leukotriene modifiers as potential therapeutics for cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2005; 4:664-72. [PMID: 16041318 DOI: 10.1038/nrd1796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Owing to their anti-inflammatory properties, leukotriene modifiers have been the primary therapeutics in asthma management for several years. Although blocking the inflammatory component of human disease is a long-standing and established concept, the use of leukotriene modifiers in treating the inflammatory component of cardiovascular disease encompassing atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke and aortic aneurysm has, surprisingly, only been seriously contemplated in the past few years. As reviewed here, several exciting studies have recently contributed to this expanding area of interest, and so far one leukotriene modifier has entered Phase II clinical trials to assess its potential for reducing the risk of heart attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin D Funk
- Department of Biochemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
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48
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Wang X, Ishimori N, Korstanje R, Rollins J, Paigen B. Identifying novel genes for atherosclerosis through mouse-human comparative genetics. Am J Hum Genet 2005; 77:1-15. [PMID: 15931593 PMCID: PMC1226181 DOI: 10.1086/431656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2005] [Accepted: 05/04/2005] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Susceptibility to atherosclerosis is determined by both environmental and genetic factors. Its genetic determinants have been studied by use of quantitative-trait-locus (QTL) analysis. So far, 21 atherosclerosis QTLs have been identified in the mouse: 7 in a high-fat-diet model only, 9 in a sensitized model (apolipoprotein E- or LDL [low-density lipoprotein] receptor-deficient mice) only, and 5 in both models, suggesting that different gene sets operate in each model and that a subset operates in both. Among the 27 human atherosclerosis QTLs reported, 17 (63%) are located in regions homologous (concordant) to mouse QTLs, suggesting that these mouse and human atherosclerosis QTLs have the same underlying genes. Therefore, genes regulating human atherosclerosis will be found most efficiently by first finding their orthologs in concordant mouse QTLs. Novel mouse QTL genes will be found most efficiently by using a combination of the following strategies: identifying QTLs in new crosses performed with previously unused parental strains; inducing mutations in large-scale, high-throughput mutagenesis screens; and using new genomic and bioinformatics tools. Once QTL genes are identified in mice, they can be tested in human association studies for their relevance in human atherosclerotic disease.
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49
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Wang X, Ria M, Kelmenson PM, Eriksson P, Higgins DC, Samnegård A, Petros C, Rollins J, Bennet AM, Wiman B, de Faire U, Wennberg C, Olsson PG, Ishii N, Sugamura K, Hamsten A, Forsman-Semb K, Lagercrantz J, Paigen B. Positional identification of TNFSF4, encoding OX40 ligand, as a gene that influences atherosclerosis susceptibility. Nat Genet 2005; 37:365-72. [PMID: 15750594 DOI: 10.1038/ng1524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2004] [Accepted: 01/10/2005] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ath1 is a quantitative trait locus on mouse chromosome 1 that renders C57BL/6 mice susceptible and C3H/He mice resistant to diet-induced atherosclerosis. The quantitative trait locus region encompasses 11 known genes, including Tnfsf4 (also called Ox40l or Cd134l), which encodes OX40 ligand. Here we report that mice with targeted mutations of Tnfsf4 had significantly (P <or= 0.05) smaller atherosclerotic lesions than did control mice. In addition, mice overexpressing Tnfsf4 had significantly (P <or= 0.05) larger atherosclerotic lesions than did control mice. In two independent human populations, the less common allele of SNP rs3850641 in TNFSF4 was significantly more frequent (P <or= 0.05) in individuals with myocardial infarction than in controls. We therefore conclude that Tnfsf4 underlies Ath1 in mice and that polymorphisms in its human homolog TNFSF4 increase the risk of myocardial infarction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Wang
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA.
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50
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Arai S, Shelton JM, Chen M, Bradley MN, Castrillo A, Bookout AL, Mak PA, Edwards PA, Mangelsdorf DJ, Tontonoz P, Miyazaki T. A role for the apoptosis inhibitory factor AIM/Spalpha/Api6 in atherosclerosis development. Cell Metab 2005; 1:201-13. [PMID: 16054063 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2005.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2004] [Revised: 02/15/2005] [Accepted: 02/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages play a central role in the development of atherosclerosis through the accumulation of oxidized LDL (oxLDL). AIM (Spalpha/Api6) has previously been shown to promote macrophage survival; however, its function in atherogenesis is unknown. Here we identify AIM as a critical factor that protects macrophages from the apoptotic effects of oxidized lipids. AIM protein is induced in response to oxLDL loading and is highly expressed in foam cells within atherosclerotic lesions. Interestingly, both expression of AIM in lesions and its induction by oxidized lipids require the action of LXR/RXR heterodimers. AIM-/- macrophages are highly susceptible to oxLDL-induced apoptosis in vitro and undergo accelerated apoptosis in atherosclerotic lesions in vivo. Moreover, early atherosclerotic lesions in AIM-/-LDLR-/- double knockout mice are dramatically reduced when compared to AIM+/+LDLR-/- controls. We conclude that AIM production facilitates macrophage survival within atherosclerotic lesions and that loss of AIM decreases early lesion development by increasing macrophage apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Arai
- Center for Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard NA7200, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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