T-cadherin attenuates insulin-dependent signalling, eNOS activation, and angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells

Adiponectin as a potential mediator of the pro-cognitive effects of physical exercise on Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the primary cause of dementia and imposes a significant socioeconomic burden globally. Physical exercise, as an effective strategy for improving general health, has been largely reported for its effectiveness in slowing neurodegeneration and increasing brain functional plasticity, particularly in aging brains. However, the underlying mechanisms of exercise in cognitive aging remain largely unclear. Adiponectin, a cell-secreted protein hormone, has recently been found to regulate synaptic plasticity and mediate the antidepressant effects of physical exercise. Studies on the neuroprotective effects of adiponectin have revealed potential innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Here, we reviewed the functions of adiponectin and its receptor in the brains of human and animal models of cognitive impairment. We summarized the role of adiponectin in Alzheimer's disease, focusing on its impact on energy metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammation. We also discuss how exercise increases adiponectin secretion and its potential benefits for learning and memory. Finally, we highlight the latest research on chemical compounds that mimic exercise-enhanced secretion of adiponectin and its receptor in Alzheimer's disease.

New evidence for T-cadherin in COVID-19 pathogenesis, endothelial dysfunction, and lung fibrosis

The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on all aspects of human activity worldwide, frequently resulting in post-acute sequelae and affecting multiple organ systems. The underlying mechanisms driving both acute and post-acute manifestations of COVID-19 are still poorly understood, warranting further investigation for new targets. The study represents the first attempt to explore the role of T-cadherin in COVID-19 pathogenesis as well as its implications in pulmonary fibrosis and endothelial dysfunction. First, we revealed a significant decrease in T-cadherin expression in post-mortem lung samples from COVID-19 patients. This downregulated T-cadherin expression correlated with the elevated levels of VE-cadherin and reduced levels of β-catenin, suggesting a disruption in endothelial cell-cell contact integrity and function. Second, the reciprocal relation of T-cadherin and VE-cadherin expression was further confirmed using cultured human endothelial Ea.hy926 cells. T-cadherin overexpression caused a decrease in VE-cadherin mRNA expression in cultured endothelial cells providing additional evidence in favor of their interplay. Third, employing Cdh13 -/- mice, we unveiled the protective role of T-cadherin deficiency against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Fourth, we demonstrated the mice lacking T-cadherin to have downregulated reactive oxygen species production and Nox2 mRNA expression in an angiotensin II-mediated endothelial dysfunction model. Our findings provide rationale for further studies into T-cadherin-mediated mechanisms in these processes.

mTOR in the Development of Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

The pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension is complex and multifactorial. It is a disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance at the level due to sustained vasoconstriction and remodeling of the pulmonary arteries, which triggers an increase in the mean pulmonary artery pressure and subsequent right ventricular hypertrophy, which in some cases can cause right heart failure. Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is currently classified into Group 3 of the five different groups of pulmonary hypertensions, which are determined according to the cause of the disease. HPH mainly develops as a product of lung diseases, among the most prevalent causes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or hypobaric hypoxia due to exposure to high altitudes. Additionally, cardiometabolic risk factors converge on molecular mechanisms involving overactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which correspond to a central axis in the development of HPH. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of mTOR in the development of HPH associated with metabolic risk factors and its therapeutic alternatives, which will be discussed in this review.

T-cadherin is a novel regulator of pericyte function during angiogenesis

Pericytes are mural cells that play an important role in regulation of angiogenesis and endothelial function. Cadherins are a superfamily of adhesion molecules mediating Ca²⁺-dependent homophilic cell-cell interactions that control morphogenesis and tissue remodeling. To date, classical N-cadherin is the only cadherin described on pericytes. Here, we demonstrate that pericytes also express T-cadherin (H-cadherin, CDH13), an atypical glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored member of the superfamily that has previously been implicated in regulation of neurite guidance, endothelial angiogenic behavior, and smooth muscle cell differentiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to investigate T-cadherin function in pericytes. Expression of T-cadherin in pericytes from different tissues was performed by immunofluorescence analysis. Using lentivirus-mediated gain-of-function and loss-of-function in cultured human pericytes, we demonstrate that T-cadherin regulates pericyte proliferation, migration, invasion, and interactions with endothelial cells during angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. T-cadherin effects are associated with the reorganization of the cytoskeleton, modulation of cyclin D1, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), integrin β3, metalloprotease MMP1, and collagen expression levels, and involve Akt/GSK3β and ROCK intracellular signaling pathways. We also report the development of a novel multiwell 3-D microchannel slide for easy analysis of sprouting angiogenesis from a bioengineered microvessel in vitro. In conclusion, our data identify T-cadherin as a novel regulator of pericyte function and support that it is required for pericyte proliferation and invasion during active phase of angiogenesis, while T-cadherin loss shifts pericytes toward the myofibroblast state rendering them unable to control endothelial angiogenic behavior.

Circulatory T-cadherin is a potential biomarker for atherosclerosis

T-cadherin, a special member of cadherin family, expresses with blood circulation involving the heart i.e. CVS. Cadherin is connected with the healthy conditions of an individual and normal functioning of cardio-vascular metabolism. T-cadherin is mainly associated with blood vascular system of human. Previous studies analysed this cadherin been unexpressed within the fat storing tissues i.e. adipose tissue of peri-aortic and peri-coronary, it is present within endothelium as well as in vascularized smooth muscular cells which includes the area nearby coronary vessels and aorta. The area and site of this cadherin is attention-grabbing because it particularly related to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). T-cadherin - a protein acting as the receptor for low density lipoproteins (LDL). It may act as a special biomarker for atherosclerosis. Previous studies on T-cadherin showed that it has cardio-protective role. Furthermore, research is essential to enumerate the cardio-protective function of T-cadherin. It can be an important therapeutic target in developing new medicine to decrease incident of heart disease and its complications.

Effects of caloric overload before caloric restriction in the murine heart

The beneficial effects of caloric restriction (CR) against cardiac aging and for prevention of cardiovascular diseases are numerous. However, to our knowledge, there is no scientific evidence about how a high-calorie diet (HCD) background influences the mechanisms underlying CR in whole heart tissue (WHT) in experimental murine models. In the current study, CR-treated mice with different alimentary backgrounds were subjected to transthoracic echocardiographic measurements. WHT was then analyzed to determine cardiac energetics, telomerase activity, the expression of energy-sensing networks, tissue-specific adiponectin, and cardiac precursor/cardiac stem cell markers. Animals with a balanced diet consumption before CR presented marked cardiac remodeling with improved ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS), enhanced OXPHOS complex I, III, and IV, and CKMT2 enzymatic activity. Mice fed an HCD before CR presented moderate changes in cardiac geometry with diminished EF and FS values, but improved OXPHOS complex IV and CKMT2 activity. Differences in cardiac remodeling, left ventricular systolic/diastolic performance, and mitochondrial energetics, found in the CR-treated mice with contrasting alimentary backgrounds, were corroborated by inconsistencies in the expression of mitochondrial-biogenesis-related markers and associated regulatory networks. In particular, disruption of eNOS and AMPK -PGC-1α-mTOR-related axes. The impact of a past habit of caloric overload on the effects of CR in the WHT is a scarcely explored subject that requires deeper study in combination with analyses of other tissues and organs at higher levels of organization within the organ system. Such research will eventually lead to the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies to promote health and longevity.

OUP accepted manuscript

Cells of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of human adipose tissue have the capacity to generate osteogenic grafts with intrinsic vasculogenic properties. However, cultured adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs), even after minimal monolayer expansion, lose osteogenic capacity in vivo. Communication between endothelial and stromal/mesenchymal cell lineages has been suggested to improve bone formation and vascularization by engineered tissues. Here, we investigated the specific role of a subpopulation of SVF cells positive for T-cadherin (T-cad), a putative endothelial marker. We found that maintenance during monolayer expansion of a T-cad-positive cell population, composed of endothelial lineage cells (ECs), is mandatory to preserve the osteogenic capacity of SVF cells in vivo and strongly supports their vasculogenic properties. Depletion of T-cad-positive cells from the SVF totally impaired bone formation in vivo and strongly reduced vascularization by SVF cells in association with decreased VEGF and Adiponectin expression. The osteogenic potential of T-cad-depleted SVF cells was fully rescued by co-culture with ECs from a human umbilical vein (HUVECs), constitutively expressing T-cad. Ectopic expression of T-cad in ASCs stimulated mineralization in vitro but failed to rescue osteogenic potential in vivo, indicating that the endothelial nature of the T-cad-positive cells is the key factor for induction of osteogenesis in engineered grafts based on SVF cells. This study demonstrates that crosstalk between stromal and T-cad expressing endothelial cells within adipose tissue critically regulates osteogenesis, with VEGF and adiponectin as associated molecular mediators.

Revisiting the multiple roles of T-cadherin in health and disease

As a non-canonical member of cadherin superfamily, T-cadherin was initially described as a molecule involved in homophilic recognition in the nervous and vascular systems. The ensuing decades clearly demonstrated that T-cadherin is a remarkably multifunctional molecule. It was validated as a bona fide receptor for both: LDL exerting adverse atherogenic action and adiponectin mediating many protective metabolic and cardiovascular effects. Motivated by the latest progress and accumulated data unmasking important roles of T-cadherin in blood vessel function and tissue regeneration, here we revisit the original function of T-cadherin as a guidance receptor for the growing axons and blood vessels, consider the recent data on T-cadherin-induced exosomes' biogenesis and their role in myocardial regeneration and revascularization. The review expands upon T-cadherin contribution to mesenchymal stem/stromal cell compartment in adipose tissue. We also dwell upon T-cadherin polymorphisms (SNP) and their possible therapeutic applications. Furthermore, we scrutinize the molecular hub of insulin and adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) conveying signals to their downstream targets in quest for defining a putative place of T-cadherin in this molecular circuitry.

Role of PI3K in the Progression and Regression of Atherosclerosis

Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) is a key molecule in the initiation of signal transduction pathways after the binding of extracellular signals to cell surface receptors. An intracellular kinase, PI3K activates multiple intracellular signaling pathways that affect cell growth, proliferation, migration, secretion, differentiation, transcription and translation. Dysregulation of PI3K activity, and as aberrant PI3K signaling, lead to a broad range of human diseases, such as cancer, immune disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. A growing number of studies have shown that PI3K and its signaling pathways play key roles in the pathophysiological process of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, drugs targeting PI3K and its related signaling pathways are promising treatments for atherosclerosis. Therefore, we have reviewed how PI3K, an important regulatory factor, mediates the development of atherosclerosis and how targeting PI3K can be used to prevent and treat atherosclerosis.

Differential Proteomic Expression of Equine Cardiac and Lamellar Tissue During Insulin-Induced Laminitis

Endocrinopathic laminitis is pathologically similar to the multi-organ dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy found in human patients with metabolic syndrome. Similarly, endocrinopathic laminitis has been shown to partially result from vascular dysfunction. However, despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of this disease is not well elucidated and laminitis remains without an effective treatment. Here, we sought to identify novel proteins and pathways underlying the development of equine endocrinopathic laminitis. Healthy Standardbred horses (n = 4/group) were either given an electrolyte infusion, or a 48-h euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Cardiac and lamellar tissues were analyzed by mass spectrometry (FDR = 0.05). All hyperinsulinemic horses developed laminitis despite being previously healthy. We identified 514 and 709 unique proteins in the cardiac and lamellar proteomes, respectively. In the lamellar tissue, we identified 14 proteins for which their abundance was significantly increased and 13 proteins which were significantly decreased in the hyperinsulinemic group as compared to controls. These results were confirmed via real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR. A STRING analysis of protein-protein interactions revealed that these increased proteins were primarily involved in coagulation and complement cascades, platelet activity, and ribosomal function, while decreased proteins were involved in focal adhesions, spliceosomes, and cell-cell matrices. Novel significant differentially expressed proteins associated with hyperinsulinemia-induced laminitis include talin−1, vinculin, cadherin-13, fibrinogen, alpha-2-macroglobulin, and heat shock protein 90. In contrast, no proteins were found to be significantly differentially expressed in the heart of hyperinsulinemic horses compared to controls. Together, these data indicate that while hyperinsulinemia induced, in part, microvascular damage, complement activation, and ribosomal dysfunction in the lamellae, a similar effect was not seen in the heart. In brief, this proteomic investigation of a unique equine model of hyperinsulinemia identified novel proteins and signaling pathways, which may lead to the discovery of molecular biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for endocrinopathic laminitis.

The Role of Cardiac T-Cadherin in the Indicating Heart Failure Severity of Patients with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background and objectives: T-cadherin (T-cad) is one of the adiponectin receptors abundantly expressed in the heart and blood vessels. Experimental studies show that T-cad sequesters adiponectin in cardiovascular tissues and is critical for adiponectin-mediated cardio-protection. However, there are no data connecting cardiac T-cad levels with human chronic heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to assess whether myocardial T-cad concentration is associated with chronic HF severity and whether the T-cad levels in human heart tissue might predict outcomes in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NI-DCM). Materials and Methods: 29 patients with chronic NI-DCM and advanced HF were enrolled. Patients underwent regular laboratory investigations, echocardiography, coronary angiography, and right heart catheterization. TNF-α and IL6 in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, endomyocardial biopsies were obtained, and the levels of T-cad were assessed by ELISA and CD3, CD45Ro, CD68, and CD4- immunohistochemically. Mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was used as a marker of HF severity, subdividing patients into two groups: mean PCWP > 19 mmHg vs. mean PCWP < 19 mmHg. Patients were followed-up for 5 years. The study outcome was composite: left ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or death from cardiovascular causes. Results: T-cad shows an inverse correlation with the mean PCWP (rho = −0.397, p = 0.037). There is a tendency towards a lower T-cad concentration in patients with more severe HF, as indicated by the mean PCWP > 19 mmHg compared to those with mean PCWP ≤ 19 mmHg (p = 0.058). Cardiac T-cad levels correlate negatively with myocardial CD3 cell count (rho = −0.423, p = 0.028). Conclusions: Univariate Cox regression analysis did not prove T-cad to be an outcome predictor (HR = 1, p = 0.349). However, decreased T-cad levels in human myocardium can be an additional indicator of HF severity. T-cad in human myocardium has an anti-inflammatory role. More studies are needed to extend the role of T-cad in the outcome prediction of patients with NI-DCM.

Effect of adiponectin level and genetic variation of its receptors on diabetic retinopathy: A case-control study

Adiponectin (APN) and its receptors have been reported to be associated with metabolic phenotypes. To better understand the effects of APN levels and its receptors on diabetic retinopathy (DR), we investigated the association of the plasma APN level and variations in APN-related genes with DR, individually and in combination.Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D; N = 1604), above 20 years of age from the Taiwanese population participated in the study. Demographic information, blood pressure, and serological markers were recorded at enrollment. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped. The plasma APN levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.T2D patients with DR (N = 632) had diabetes for a longer duration, and had higher HbA1c, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those without DR (N = 972) (P < .001, for all the parameters). Overall, 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADIPOQ and CDH13 susceptibility loci were associated with DR. Gene risk score (GRS) was calculated based on 10 SNPs for each subject and the cumulative effect of genes was observed. Among the subjects with plasma APN level (N = 518), natural logarithm (LN) of APN (LN [APN]; odds ratio [OR] = 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-2.25) and GRS (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.11-3.26 for middle range of GRS, and OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.48-4.59 for high range of GRS) were independent risk factors for DR after adjustment for other parameters.In conclusion, the plasma APN level and the genetic variations in adiponectin receptors were associated with DR.

Interleukin-6 determines protein stabilization of DNA methyltransferases and alters DNA promoter methylation of genes associated with insulin signaling and angiogenesis

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) display vascular insulin resistance and decreased nitric oxide production leading to vasoconstriction and atherosclerosis. Soluble factors such as pro-inflammatory molecules, and various genetic and epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated to induce insulin resistance in vascular endothelial cells. Epigenetic mechanisms such as altered promoter DNA methylation have been demonstrated in development and progression of metabolic disorders and atherosclerosis. However, underlying precise epigenetic mechanisms regulating cross talk between insulin signaling genes and inflammation in vascular cells remains to be fully understood. Human endothelial cells when (a) treated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin together, (b) pretreated with IL-6, and (c) under hyperinsulinemic conditions led to a state of vascular insulin resistance resulting in decreased Akt/eNOS activation and subsequent stabilization of STAT3 phosphorylation. IL-6 abrogated insulin effects on angiogenesis in 3D spheroid and matrigel assays. IL-6-induced insulin resistance was associated with decreased activity of DNA methyltransferase isoforms and global DNA hypomethylation, which inversely correlated with S-phase of cell cycle. CpG microarray analysis in IL-6 treated endothelial cells revealed promoters associated hypo- and hypermethylation of 199 and 98 genes respectively. Promoter DNA methylation status of genes associated with insulin signaling and angiogenesis such as RPS6KA2, PIK3R2, FOXD3, EXOC7, MAP3K8, ITPKB, EPHA6, IGF1R, and FOXC2 were validated by bisulfite DNA sequencing. Concentration and time-dependent analysis revealed that IL-6 reduced DNMT1 and DNMT3B but not DNMT3A protein levels. Our data indicate a causal link between IL-6-induced changes in global and promoter-specific DNA methylation, due to reduced DNMT1 and DNMT3B protein levels leading to altered expression of critical genes involved in insulin signaling and angiogenesis.

Circulating microRNA expression profiling and bioinformatics analysis of dysregulated microRNAs of patients with coronary artery disease

MicroRNs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that modulate the expression of protein-coding genes at the post-transcription level and their dysregulated expression has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases. Circulating miRNAs have been widely recommended as potential biomarkers for many diseases including coronary artery disease. In this study, the miRNA expression profiles of 6 normal coronary artery (NCA), 12 patients with coronary artery disease including 6 unstable angina (UA) patients and 6 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were determined by small RNA sequencing. The differential expression of miRNAs was verified via using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We further performed bioinformatics analysis for the differentially expressed miRNAs. The results showed that 60 miRNAs were up-regulated and 26 miRNAs were down-regulated in the UA group and 49 miRNAs were up-regulated and 62 miRNAs were down-regulated in the UA group when compared with the NCA group. Among them, both of UA group and STEMI group shared 38 dysregulated miRNAs (28 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated) versus NCA group. ROC curves analysis showed that miR-142-3p and miR-17-5p might server as potential biomarkers for the detection and diagnosis of UA and STEMI. Bioinformatics functional predictions showed that the differential expressed miRNAs were closely related with the pathological process of coronary artery disease. We comprehensively analyzed profile expression of circulating miRNAs of patients with coronary artery disease. Our study suggested that miR-142-3p and miR-17-5p might be potential targets for follow-up research in evaluating biomarkers of coronary artery disease.

Synergistic anti-hepatoma effect of bufalin combined with sorafenib via mediating the tumor vascular microenvironment by targeting mTOR/VEGF signaling

Sorafenib inhibits tumor growth primarily by inhibiting vessel formation, however, its efficacy requires improvement, therefore, the development of strategies which augment its antiangiogenic effect are of primary concern. Bufalin inhibits tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, and induces apoptosis. In our previous study, it was demonstrated that the antiangiogenic effect of sorafenib was improved by bufalin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, whether bufalin synergizes with sorafenib by affecting the tumor vascular microenvironment remains to be elucidated. In the present study, it was found that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation was inhibited by either bufalin or sorafenib following incubation for 24 h, and the inhibition was enhanced upon treatment with a combination of the two. Conditioned medium (CM), comprising supernatant from HCC cells was collected from each of the treatment groups. The migration and tubule formation were suppressed the most in the combination-CM treated HUVECs. The secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was decreased in HCC cells treated with the combination-CM, as determined by an angiogenesis array, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis. The inhibition of tube formation in HUVECs treated with the combination-CM was reversed by incubation with VEGF. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that subcutaneous HCC cell tumors from mice treated with the combination treatment expressed the lowest levels of VEGF, as evidenced by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Additionally, the level of phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) was reduced in HUVECs pretreated with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor PI103. Furthermore, the migration of HCC cells and HUVEC tube formation were attenuated by PI103 pretreatment. In conclusion, the results revealed a synergistic anti-hepatoma effect of bufalin combined with sorafenib via affecting the tumor vascular microenvironment by targeting mTOR/VEGF signaling.

T-cadherin is associated with prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer

The purpose of the present study was to assess the prognostic impact of T-cadherin expression in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). On the basis of the results of immunohistochemical analysis, 106 patients with operable TNBC were divided into two groups, the T-cadherin-positive group and T-cadherin-negative group. Fisher's exact and χ² tests were employed to analyze clinical data, which included the association between T-cadherin expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis. The log-rank test was used to examine the impact of T-cadherin expression on the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and the 5-year overall survival (OS) of these patients. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were introduced to analyze DFS and OS. Compared with the T-cadherin-positive group (58.3, 52.8 and 47.2, respectively; P=0.018, P=0.017, and P=0.047), tumor size >2 cm, grade II and III (Elston-Ellis modification of Bloom-Richardson grading system), and positive lymph node status were significantly more common in the T-cadherin-negative group compared with the T-cadherin-positive group (80.0 vs. 58.3%, 75.7 vs. 52.8% and 67.1 vs. 47.2%, respectively) (P=0.018, P=0.017, and P=0.047). Compared with the T-cadherin-positive group, 5-year DFS and OS levels were significantly lower in the T-cadherin-negative group (Z=6.233, P=0.013; Z=5.366, P=0.021). Multivariate analysis revealed that negative T-cadherin expression was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (P=0.009) and OS (P=0.048). The results of the present study indicated that negative T-cadherin expression indicated a worse prognosis for patients with TNBC.

T-cadherin deficiency increases vascular vulnerability in T2DM through impaired NO bioactivity

Background

Endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). T-cadherin (T-cad) has gained recognition as a regulator of endothelial cell (EC) function. The present study examined whether T-cad deficiency increases vascular vulnerability in T2DM.

Methods

Vascular segments were isolated from WT or T-cad knockout mice. Endothelial function, total NO accumulation, and the expression of T-cad related proteins were determined.

Results

Ach and acidified NaNO2 induced similar vasorelaxation in WT groups. T-cad KO mice exhibited normal response to acidified NaNO2, but manifested markedly reduced response to Ach. NO accumulation was also decreased in T-cad KO group. T-cad expression was reduced in WT mice fed 8 weeks of high fat diet (HFD). Furthermore, exacerbated reduction of vasorelaxation was observed in T-cad KO mice fed 8 weeks of HFD.

Conclusions

In the current study, we provide the first in vivo evidence that T-cadherin deficiency causes endothelial dysfunction in T2DM vascular segments, suggesting the involvement of T-cad deficiency in T2DM pathogenesis.

Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation

BPC 157, a pentadecapeptide with extensive healing effects, has recently been suggested to contribute to angiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. The present study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic effect and pro-angiogenic mechanism of BPC 157. As demonstrated by the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and endothelial tube formation assay, BPC 157 could increase the vessel density both in vivo and in vitro, respectively. BPC 157 could also accelerate the recovery of blood flow in the ischemic muscle of the rat hind limb as detected by laser Doppler scanning, indicating the promotion of angiogenesis. Histological analysis of the hind limb muscle confirmed the increased number of vessels and the enhanced vascular expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in rat with BPC 157 treatment. In vitro study using human vascular endothelial cells further confirmed the increased mRNA and protein expressions of VEGFR2 but not VEGF-A by BPC 157. In addition, BPC 157 could promote VEGFR2 internalization in vascular endothelial cells which was blocked in the presence of dynasore, an inhibitor of endocytosis. BPC 157 time dependently activated the VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway which could also be suppressed by dynasore. The increase of endothelial tube formation induced by BPC 157 was also inhibited by dynasore. This study demonstrates the pro-angiogenic effects of BPC 157 that is associated with the increased expression, internalization of VEGFR2, and the activation of VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway. BPC 157 promotes angiogenesis in CAM assay and tube formation assay. BPC 157 accelerates the blood flow recovery and vessel number in rats with hind limb ischemia. BPC 157 up-regulates VEGFR2 expression in rats with hind limb ischemia and endothelial cell culture. BPC 157 promotes VEGFR2 internalization in association with VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS activation.

KEY MESSAGE

BPC 157 promotes angiogenesis in CAM assay and tube formation assay. BPC 157 accelerates the blood flow recovery and vessel number in rats with hind limb ischemia. BPC 157 up-regulates VEGFR2 expression in rats with hind limb ischemia and endothelial cell culture. BPC 157 promotes VEGFR2 internalization in association with VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS activation.

Clinicopathological significance and potential drug target of T-cadherin in NSCLC

Background

Previous studies demonstrate that T-cadherin is a candidate tumor suppressor in several types of human tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lack of protein expression of T-cadherin by hypermethylation has been found to play an important role in lung alveolar differentiation regulation and epithelial tumorigenesis. However, the correlation between T-cadherin hypermethylation and clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC remains unclear. Here we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the effects of T-cadherin hypermethylation on the incidence of NSCLC and clinicopathological characteristics.

Methods

A detailed literature search was carried out for related research publications. Analyses of pooled data were performed. Odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) were calculated and summarized, respectively.

Results

Final analysis of 1,172 NSCLC patients from 15 eligible studies was performed. T-cadherin hypermethylation was observed to be significantly higher in NSCLC than in normal lung tissue, based on the pooled OR from nine studies including 532 NSCLC and 372 normal lung tissue samples (OR=8.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]=5.41–12.39, P<0.00001). T-cadherin hypermethylation may also be associated with pathological types. The pooled OR was obtained from four studies including 111patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 106 with adenocarcinoma (OR=0.35, 95% CI=0.19–0.66, P=0.001), which indicated that T-cadherin hypermethylation plays a more important role in the pathogenesis of adenocarcinoma. We did not find that T-cadherin hypermethylation was correlated with the sex or smoking status, clinical stages, or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status. However, T-cadherin hypermethylation was found to be significantly higher in poorly differentiated NSCLC than in moderately and highly differentiated NSCLC, and NSCLC patients with T-cadherin hypermethylation had a lower survival rate than those without T-cadherin hypermethylation.

Conclusion

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that T-cadherin hypermethylation is associated with an increased risk and worse survival in NSCLC. T-cadherin hypermethylation, which induces the inactivation of T-cadherin gene, plays an important role in the carcinogenesis, cancer progression, as well as clinical outcome.

EGFR and IGF-1R in regulation of prostate cancer cell phenotype and polarity: opposing functions and modulation by T-cadherin

T-cadherin is an atypical glycosylphosphatidylinsoitol-anchored member of the cadherin superfamily of adhesion molecules. We found that T-cadherin overexpression in malignant (DU145) and benign (BPH-1) prostatic epithelial cell lines or silencing in the BPH-1 cell line, respectively, promoted or inhibited migration and spheroid invasion in collagen I gel and Matrigel. T-cadherin-dependent effects were associated with changes in cell phenotype: overexpression caused cell dissemination and loss of polarity evaluated by relative positioning of the Golgi/nuclei in cell groups, whereas silencing caused formation of compact polarized epithelial-like clusters. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and IGF factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) were identified as mediators of T-cadherin effects. These receptors per se had opposing influences on cell phenotype. EGFR activation with EGF or IGF-1R inhibition with NVP-AEW541 promoted dissemination, invasion, and polarity loss. Conversely, inhibition of EGFR with gefitinib or activation of IGF-1R with IGF-1 rescued epithelial morphology and decreased invasion. T-cadherin silencing enhanced both EGFR and IGF-1R phosphorylation, yet converted cells to the morphology typical for activated IGF-1R. T-cadherin effects were sensitive to modulation of EGFR or IGF-1R activity, suggesting direct involvement of both receptors. We conclude that T-cadherin regulates prostate cancer cell behavior by tuning the balance in EGFR/IGF-1R activity and enhancing the impact of IGF-1R.

Prognostic significance of CDH13 hypermethylation and mRNA in NSCLC

Aberrant methylation of CpG dinucleotides is a commonly observed epigenetic modification in human cancer. Thus, detection of aberrant gene promoter methylation as a tool for diagnosis of tumors or as a prognostic marker has been widely described for many types of cancers, including nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Emerging evidence indicates that CDH13 is a candidate tumor suppressor in several types of human tumors, including NSCLC. However, the correlation between CDH13 hypermethylation and clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC remains unclear. In the current study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the effects of CDH13 hypermethylation on the incidence of NSCLC and clinicopathological characteristics. Final analysis of 803 NSCLC patients from eleven eligible studies was performed. CDH13 hypermethylation was observed to be significantly higher in NSCLC than in normal lung tissue, with the pooled odds ratio (OR) from seven studies including 448 NSCLC and 345 normal lung tissue (OR, 7.85; 95% confidence interval, 5.12-12.03; P<0.00001). CDH13 hypermethylation was also associated with pathological types. The pooled OR was obtained from four studies, including 111 squamous cell carcinoma and 106 adenocarcinoma (OR, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.66; P=0.001), which indicated that CDH13 hypermethylation plays a more important role in the pathogenesis of adenocarcinoma. NSCLC with CDH13 hypermethylation was found more frequently in poorly differentiated NSCLC patients. NSCLC patients with CDH13 hypermethylation had a lower survival rate than those without CDH13 hypermethylation. In addition, CDH13 mRNA high expression was found to correlate with better overall survival for all NSCLC patients followed for 20 years (hazard ratio, 0.81; P=0.0056). Interestingly, CDH13 mRNA overexpression was found to correlate with better overall survival only in adenocarcinoma patients (hazard ratio, 0.42; P=9.6e-09), not in squamous cell carcinoma patients (hazard ratio, 0.93; P=0.59). The results of this meta-analysis suggest that CDH13 hypermethylation is associated with an increased risk and worse survival in NSCLC. CDH13 hypermethylation and mRNA expression play an important role in carcinogenesis, progression, and development, as well as clinical outcomes.

Plasma T-cadherin negatively associates with coronary lesion severity and acute coronary syndrome

AIMS

This study evaluated associations between plasma T-cadherin levels and severity of atherosclerotic disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three hundred and ninety patients undergoing coronary angiography were divided into three groups based on clinical and angiographic presentation: a group (n=40) with normal coronary arteries, a group (n=250) with chronic coronary artery disease and a group (n=100) with acute coronary syndrome. Plasma T-cadherin levels were measured by double sandwich ELISA. Intravascular ultrasound data of the left-anterior descending artery were acquired in a subgroup of 284 patients. T-cadherin levels were lower in patients with acute coronary syndrome than in normal patients (p=0.007) and patients with chronic coronary artery disease (p=0.002). Levels were lower in males (p=0.002), in patients with hypertension (p=0.002) and inpatients with diabetes (p=0.008), and negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (p=0.014), body mass index (p=0.001) and total number of risk factors (p=0.001). T-cadherin negatively associated with angiographic severity of disease (p=0.001) and with quantitative intravascular ultrasound measures of lesion severity (p<0.001 for plaque, necrotic core and dense calcium volumes). Significant associations between T-cadherin and intravascular ultrasound measurements persisted even if the regression model was adjusted for the presence of acute coronary syndrome. Multivariate analysis identified a strong (p=0.002) negative association of T-cadherin with acute coronary syndrome, and lower T-cadherin levels significantly (p=0.002) associated with a higher risk of acute coronary syndrome independently of age, gender and cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

A reduction in plasma T-cadherin levels is associated with increasing severity of coronary artery disease and a higher risk for acute coronary syndrome.

Adiponectin: a manifold therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and coronary disease?

Adiponectin is the most abundant peptide secreted by adipocytes, being a key component in the interrelationship between adiposity, insulin resistance and inflammation. Central obesity accompanied by insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) and future macrovascular complications. Moreover, the remarkable correlation between coronary artery disease (CAD) and alterations in glucose metabolism has raised the likelihood that atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may share a common biological background. We summarize here the current knowledge about the influence of adiponectin on insulin sensitivity and endothelial function, discussing its forthcoming prospects and potential role as a therapeutic target for MS, T2DM, and cardiovascular disease. Adiponectin is present in the circulation as a dimer, trimer or protein complex of high molecular weight hexamers, >400 kDa. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are its major receptors in vivo mediating the metabolic actions. Adiponectin stimulates phosphorylation and AMP (adenosin mono phosphate) kinase activation, exerting direct effects on vascular endothelium, diminishing the inflammatory response to mechanical injury and enhancing endothelium protection in cases of apolipoprotein E deficiency. Hypoadiponectinemia is consistently associated with obesity, MS, atherosclerosis, CAD, T2DM. Lifestyle correction helps to favorably modify plasma adiponectin levels. Low adiponectinemia in obese patients is raised via continued weight loss programs in both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals and is also accompanied by reductions in pro-inflammatory factors. Diet modifications, like intake of fish, omega-3 supplementation, adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and coffee consumption also increase adiponectin levels. Antidiabetic and cardiovascular pharmacological agents, like glitazones, glimepiride, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are also able to improve adiponectin concentration. Fibric acid derivatives, like bezafibrate and fenofibrate, have been reported to enhance adiponectin levels as well. T-cadherin, a membrane-associated adiponectin-binding protein lacking intracellular domain seems to be a main mediator of the antiatherogenic adiponectin actions. The finding of novel pharmacologic agents proficient to improve adiponectin plasma levels should be target of exhaustive research. Interesting future approaches could be the development of adiponectin-targeted drugs chemically designed to induce the activaton of its receptors and/or postreceptor signaling pathways, or the development of specific adiponectin agonists.

Elevated blood pressure: Our family's fault? The genetics of essential hypertension

AIM

To provide an updated review on current genetic aspects possibly affecting essential hypertension (EH), and to further elucidate their role in EH.

METHODS

We searched for genetic and epigenetic factors in major studies associated with EH between Jan 2008-Oct 2013 using PubMed. We limited our search to reviews that discussed mostly human studies, and were accessible through the university online resource. We found 11 genome wide association studies (GWAS), as well as five methylation and three miRNA studies that fit our search criteria. A distinction was not made between genes with protective effects or negative effects, as this article is only meant to be a summary of genes associated with any aspect of EH.

RESULTS

We found 130 genes from the studies that met our inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of note, genes with multiple study references include: STK39, CYP17A1, MTHFR-NPPA, MTHFR-NPPB, ATP2B1, CSK, ZNF652, UMOD, CACNB2, PLEKHA7, SH2B3, TBX3-TBX5, ULK4, CSK-ULK3, CYP1A2, NT5C2, CYP171A, PLCD3, SH2B3, ATXN2, CACNB2, PLEKHA7, SH2B3, TBX3-TBX5, ULK4, and HFE. The following genes overlapped between the genetic studies and epigenetic studies: WNK4 and BDKRB2. Several of the identified genes were found to have functions associated with EH. Many epigenetic factors were also correlated with EH. Of the epigenetic factors, there were no articles discussing siRNA and its effects on EH that met the search criteria, thus the topic was not included in this review. Among the miRNA targets found to be associated with EH, many of the genes involved were also identified in the GWAS studies.

CONCLUSION

Genetic hypertension risk algorithms could be developed in the future but may be of limited benefit due to the multi-factorial nature of EH. With emerging technologies, like next-generation sequencing, more direct causal relationships between genetic and epigenetic factors affecting EH will likely be discovered creating a tremendous potential for personalized medicine using pharmacogenomics.

Differential microRNA expression profiles in peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a clinical condition caused by an atherosclerotic process affecting the arteries of the limbs. Despite major improvements in surgical endovascular techniques, PAD is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short noncoding RNA controlling gene expression, have emerged as major regulators of multiple biological processes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A whole-miRNA transcriptome profiling was performed in peripheral blood from an initial sample set of patients and controls. A 12-miRNA PAD-specific signature, which includes let 7e, miR-15b, -16, -20b, -25, -26b, -27b, -28-5p, -126, -195, -335, and -363, was further investigated and validated in 2 additional sample sets. Each of these 12 miRNAs exhibited good diagnostic value as evidenced by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Pathway enrichment analysis using predicted and validated targets identified several signaling pathways relevant to vascular disorders. Several of these pathways, including cell adhesion molecules, were confirmed by quantifying the expression level of several candidate genes regulating the initial stages of the inflammatory atherosclerotic process. The expression level of 7 of these candidate genes exhibits striking inverse correlation with that of several, if not all, of the miRNAs of the PAD-specific miRNA signature.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the potential of miRNAs for the diagnosis of PAD and provide further insight into the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of PAD, with the potential for future therapeutic targets.

Genetic and epigenetic mutations of tumor suppressive genes in sporadic pituitary adenoma

Human pituitary adenomas are the most common intracranial neoplasms. Approximately 5% of them are familial adenomas. Patients with familial tumors carry germline mutations in predisposition genes, including AIP, MEN1 and PRKAR1A. These mutations are extremely rare in sporadic pituitary adenomas, which therefore are caused by different mechanisms. Multiple tumor suppressive genes linked to sporadic tumors have been identified. Their inactivation is caused by epigenetic mechanisms, mainly promoter hypermethylation, and can be placed into two groups based on their functional interaction with tumor suppressors RB or p53. The RB group includes CDKN2A, CDKN2B, CDKN2C, RB1, BMP4, CDH1, CDH13, GADD45B and GADD45G; AIP and MEN1 genes also belong to this group. The p53 group includes MEG3, MGMT, PLAGL1, RASSF1, RASSF3 and SOCS1. We propose that the tumor suppression function of these genes is mainly mediated by the RB and p53 pathways. We also discuss possible tumor suppression mechanisms for individual genes.

Genome-wide SNP analysis of the Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (Clarkson disease)

The Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (SCLS) is an extremely rare, orphan disease that resembles, and is frequently erroneously diagnosed as, systemic anaphylaxis. The disorder is characterized by repeated, transient, and seemingly unprovoked episodes of hypotensive shock and peripheral edema due to transient endothelial hyperpermeability. SCLS is often accompanied by a monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). Using Affymetrix Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) microarrays, we performed the first genome-wide SNP analysis of SCLS in a cohort of 12 disease subjects and 18 controls. Exome capture sequencing was performed on genomic DNA from nine of these patients as validation for the SNP-chip discoveries and de novo data generation. We identified candidate susceptibility loci for SCLS, which included a region flanking CAV3 (3p25.3) as well as SNP clusters in PON1 (7q21.3), PSORS1C1 (6p21.3), and CHCHD3 (7q33). Among the most highly ranked discoveries were gene-associated SNPs in the uncharacterized LOC100130480 gene (rs6417039, rs2004296). Top case-associated SNPs were observed in BTRC (rs12355803, 3rs4436485), ARHGEF18 (rs11668246), CDH13 (rs4782779), and EDG2 (rs12552348), which encode proteins with known or suspected roles in B cell function and/or vascular integrity. 61 SNPs that were significantly associated with SCLS by microarray analysis were also detected and validated by exome deep sequencing. Functional annotation of highly ranked SNPs revealed enrichment of cell projections, cell junctions and adhesion, and molecules containing pleckstrin homology, Ras/Rho regulatory, and immunoglobulin Ig-like C2/fibronectin type III domains, all of which involve mechanistic functions that correlate with the SCLS phenotype. These results highlight SNPs with potential relevance to SCLS.

Genetic variation in CDH13 is associated with lower plasma adiponectin levels but greater adiponectin sensitivity in East Asian populations

Variants in the CDH13 gene have been identified as determinants of blood levels of adiponectin, an insulin-sensitizing adipokine. However, their association with other metabolic risk factors remains unclear. We examined variants at CDH13 in relation to total and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin using data from a genome-wide association study performed in 2,434 Singaporean Chinese with replication in up to 3,290 Japanese and 1,610 Koreans. The top signal rs4783244 in CDH13 showed strong associations with total adiponectin (standardized β [β] = -0.34, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.30, P = 2.0 × 10(-70)), HMW adiponectin (β = -0.40, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.36, P = 1.1 × 10(-117)), and the HMW-to-total adiponectin ratio (β = -0.44, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.40, P = 3.2 × 10(-83)). In the replication study, this single nucleotide polymorphism explained 4.1% of total and 6.5% of HMW adiponectin levels. No association was observed between rs4783244 and metabolic traits associated with insulin resistance before adjustment for HMW adiponectin levels. After adjustment for HMW adiponectin levels, the minor allele was associated with lower BMI (β = -0.15, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.11, P = 3.5 × 10(-14)), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (β = -0.16, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.12, P = 9.2 × 10(-16)), and triglycerides (β = -0.16, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.12, P = 1.3 × 10(-16)) and with higher HDL (β = 0.16, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.19, P = 2.1 × 10(-17)). CDH13 variants strongly influence plasma total and HMW adiponectin levels in East Asian populations but appear to alter adiponectin sensitivity, resulting in better metabolic health than expected based on circulating adiponectin levels.

Association between CDH13 variants and cardiometabolic and vascular phenotypes in a Korean population

PURPOSE

Although some CDH13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown to be determinants of blood adiponectin levels, the clinical implications of CDH13 variants are not yet completely understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of SNPs of CDH13 on metabolic and vascular phenotypes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 238 hypertensive subjects and 260 age- and sex-matched controls. Seven tagging-SNPs were identified in the CDH13 gene by whole gene sequencing. The association between these SNP variants and the risk of hypertension, metabolic traits, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was examined.

RESULTS

Minor allele carriers of rs12444338 had a lower risk of hypertension, but the association turned out just marginal after adjusting confoudners. Blood glucose levels were higher in the minor allele carriers of c.1407C>T (p=0.01), whereas low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were greater in those of rs6565105 (p=0.02). The minor allele of rs1048612 was associated with a higher body mass index (p=0.01). In addition, the mean carotid IMT was significantly associated with rs12444338 (p=0.02) and rs1048612 (p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

These results provide evidence that CDH13 variants are associated with metabolic traits and carotid atherosclerosis in Koreans. This study shows the multifaceted effects of CDH13 variants on cardiometabolic risk.

Novel mechanism regulating endothelial permeability via T-cadherin-dependent VE-cadherin phosphorylation and clathrin-mediated endocytosis

T-cadherin is a unique member of the cadherin superfamily of adhesion molecules. In contrast to “classical” cadherins, T-cadherin lacks transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains and is anchored to the cell membrane via a glycosilphosphoinositol moiety. T-cadherin is predominantly expressed in cardiovascular system. Clinical and biochemical studies evidence that expression of T-cadherin increases in post-angioplasty restenosis and atherosclerotic lesions—conditions associated with endothelial dysfunction and pathological expression of adhesion molecules. Here, we provide data suggesting a new signaling mechanism by which T-cadherin regulates endothelial permeability. T-cadherin overexpression leads to VE-cadherin phosphorylation on Y731 (β-catenin-binding site), VE-cadherin clathrin-dependent endocytosis and its degradation in lysosomes. Moreover, T-cadherin overexpression results in activation of Rho GTPases signaling and actin stress fiber formation. Thus, T-cadherin up-regulation is involved in degradation of a key endothelial adhesion molecule, VE-cadherin, resulting in the disruption of endothelial barrier function. Our results point to the role of T-cadherin in regulation of endothelial permeability and its possible engagement in endothelial dysfunction.

T-cadherin is essential for adiponectin-mediated revascularization

Adipose tissue secretes protein factors that have systemic actions on cardiovascular tissues. Previous studies have shown that ablation of the adipocyte-secreted protein adiponectin leads to endothelial dysfunction, whereas its overexpression promotes wound healing. However, the receptor(s) mediating the protective effects of adiponectin on the vasculature is not known. Here we examined the role of membrane protein T-cadherin, which localizes adiponectin to the vascular endothelium, in the revascularization response to chronic ischemia. T-cadherin-deficient mice were analyzed in a model of hind limb ischemia where blood flow is surgically disrupted in one limb and recovery is monitored over 28 days by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. In this model, T-cadherin-deficient mice phenocopy adiponectin-deficient mice such that both strains display an impaired blood flow recovery compared with wild-type controls. Delivery of exogenous adiponectin rescued the impaired revascularization phenotype in adiponectin-deficient mice but not in T-cadherin-deficient mice. In cultured endothelial cells, T-cadherin deficiency by siRNA knockdown prevented the ability of adiponectin to promote cellular migration and proliferation. These data highlight a previously unrecognized role for T-cadherin in limb revascularization and show that it is essential for mediating the vascular actions of adiponectin.

The common variant rs11646213 is associated with preeclampsia in Han Chinese women

Background

Preeclampsia, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, is a multifactorial disease caused by complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors. A recent genome-wide association study of blood pressure reported an association between hypertension and rs11646213. This study evaluated the association between preeclampsia and rs11646213.

Methods

A total of 454 cases and 460 controls were recruited to participate in this study. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11646213 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing.

Results

The allele frequency of rs11646213 was significantly different between the preeclampsia and control groups (P = 0.017, OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.06–1.76). Differences were particularly significant in the severe preeclampsia subgroup (P = 0.002, OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.17–2.03) and the early-onset preeclampsia subgroup (P = 0.004, OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.16–2.13). Genotyping analysis showed that the T allele of rs11646213 could confer a risk for preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia and early-onset preeclampsia.

Conclusions

Rs11646213 upstream of the CDH13 gene is associated with preeclampsia in Han Chinese women.

T-cadherin expression in uterine leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE

T-cadherin is a tumor-suppressor with low expression in many malignant tumors, but with high expression in endothelial cells and so on. In this study we investigated whether T-cadherin was expressed and if together with bFGF play a role in the occurrence and development of uterine leiomyoma.

METHOD

Uterine leiomyoma, the adjacent normal myometrium, control normal myometrium without uterine leiomyoma and vascular features of myoma were collected. Immunohistochemistry, western blot and relative quantitative real time PCR were used to evaluate bFGF and T-cadherin on the three specimens. Data were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

T-cadherin was observed on the leiomyoma cellular layers but not in the endochylema, extracellular matrix and leiomyoma vascular endothelial cell, bFGF in the leiomyoma endochylema but not observed in the extracellular matrix and leiomyoma vascular endothelial cell. The protein and mRNA expression of bFGF and T-cadherin in uterine leiomyoma were significantly with higher expression than that in adjacent normal myometrium and control normal myometrium. In addition, T-cadherin correlated well with bFGF. There was relationship between T-cadherin and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI).

CONCLUSION

bFGF and T-cadherin have high expressions in uterine leiomyoma, and T-cadherin is associated with CDFI, indicating that a cross talk between bFGF and T-cadherin plays an important role in the occurrence and development of uterine leiomyoma or even malignant tumors.