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Wilkerson JL, Tatum SM, Holland WL, Summers SA. Ceramides are fuel gauges on the drive to cardiometabolic disease. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1061-1119. [PMID: 38300524 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00008.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ceramides are signals of fatty acid excess that accumulate when a cell's energetic needs have been met and its nutrient storage has reached capacity. As these sphingolipids accrue, they alter the metabolism and survival of cells throughout the body including in the heart, liver, blood vessels, skeletal muscle, brain, and kidney. These ceramide actions elicit the tissue dysfunction that underlies cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, metabolic-associated steatohepatitis, and heart failure. Here, we review the biosynthesis and degradation pathways that maintain ceramide levels in normal physiology and discuss how the loss of ceramide homeostasis drives cardiometabolic pathologies. We highlight signaling nodes that sense small changes in ceramides and in turn reprogram cellular metabolism and stimulate apoptosis. Finally, we evaluate the emerging therapeutic utility of these unique lipids as biomarkers that forecast disease risk and as targets of ceramide-lowering interventions that ameliorate disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Wilkerson
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Sean M Tatum
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - William L Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Scott A Summers
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
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2
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Busnelli M, Colombo A, Manzini S, Franchi E, Chiesa G. The transcriptome profiling of diseased mouse aortas discloses a dysregulation of the sympathetic neurotransmission in atherosclerosis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31852. [PMID: 38841495 PMCID: PMC11152669 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous reports suggest an association between the development of atherosclerosis and alterations in the aortic sympathetic nervous system, but there is no agreement on whether atherosclerotic plaques are accompanied by increased or decreased sympathetic innervation in the arterial wall. In the present study, the aortic transcriptional profile of mice with different predisposition to atherosclerosis was investigated to clarify how the expression of genes involved in sympathetic neurotransmission varied. Eight-week-old C57Bl/6J control mice, Apoe knockout mice (EKO), EKO mice overexpressing human apoA-I (EKO/hA-I) and double Apoe/Apoa1 knockout mice (DKO) mice were fed either a standard rodent diet or a Western-type diet for 22 weeks. Atherosclerosis was quantified, and the aortic transcriptome was analyzed by RNAseq. Western-type diet administration deeply modified the aortic transcriptome. In the genetically modified atherosclerosis-prone mouse lines, an upregulated expression of genes associated with the immunomodulatory response was observed, paralleled by a downregulated expression of the genes related to sympathetic nervous system. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the presence of advanced atherosclerosis was accompanied by reduced neuronal generation, modulation of synapse chemical transmission, and catecholamine biosynthesis, supporting a relationship between atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, and sympathetic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Elsa Franchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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3
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Amadio P, Porro B, Cavalca V, Zarà M, Eligini S, Sandrini L, Werba JP, Cosentino N, Olivares P, Galotta A, Bonomi A, Tremoli E, Trabattoni D, Barbieri SS. Hemostatic system in Takotsubo patients at long-term follow-up: A hidden activation? Int J Cardiol 2023; 390:131229. [PMID: 37527756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTS) has long been considered a benign condition, despite recurrent events and long-term adverse outcomes are often reported. Endothelial damage, blood hyperviscosity, and platelet activation described in acute phase persist in long-term follow-up; however, TTS pathophysiology is still not fully understood. Here, we explored the hemostatic system at a median of 3.1 years after TTS to uncover additional long-lasting changes in these patients. METHODS We assessed hemostatic parameters in women with TTS (n = 23) or coronary artery disease (CAD; n = 31) and in control women (n = 26) age-matched, by thromboelastographic analysis, prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) coagulation assays and microparticle exposing Tissue Factor (MP-TF). Functional fibrinogen and fibrin polymerization were analyzed by Clauss method and spectrophotometry, respectively. Platelet reactivity was evaluated by light transmission aggregometry, whereas plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured by ELISA kit. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, TTS patients exhibit an accelerated clot formation, higher percentage of fibrin polymerization and higher PAI-1 levels. Compared with CAD, TTS patients showed sustained residual platelet activation but decreased functional fibrinogen, fibrin polymerization and MP-TF levels, prolonged aPTT and a marked BDNF increase. CONCLUSIONS The long-term activation of hemostatic system observed in TTS patients compared to control subjects suggests a persistent humoral abnormality that may be related to the propensity for TTS recurrence. The higher residual platelet activity observed in TTS than in CAD patients invites investigation on TTS-tailored antiplatelet therapy potentially needed to prevent TTS adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marta Zarà
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino I.R.C.C.S., Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Eligini
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino I.R.C.C.S., Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alice Bonomi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino I.R.C.C.S., Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tremoli
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 48033, Cotignola, Ravenna, Italy
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4
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Colombo A, Franchi E, Chiara M, Zaffaroni G, Horner D, Chiesa G. Effect of diet and genotype on the miRNome of mice with altered lipoprotein metabolism. iScience 2023; 26:107615. [PMID: 37664585 PMCID: PMC10474470 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism by which lipid/lipoprotein biosynthesis is regulated in mammals involves a very large number of genes that are subject to multiple levels of regulation. miRNAs are recognized contributors to lipid homeostasis at the post-transcriptional level, although the elucidation of their role is made difficult by the multiplicity of their targets and the ability of more miRNAs to affect the same mRNAs. In this study, an evaluation of how miRNA expression varies in organs playing a key role in lipid/lipoprotein metabolism was conducted in control mice and in two mouse models carrying genetic ablations which differently affect low-density lipoprotein metabolism. Mice were fed a lipid-poor standard diet and a diet enriched in cholesterol and saturated fat. The results obtained showed that there are no miRNAs whose expression constantly vary with dietary or genetic changes. Furthermore, it appears that diet, more than genotype, impacts on organ-specific miRNA expression profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elsa Franchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Chiara
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Gaia Zaffaroni
- Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Horner
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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5
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Thompson D, Mahmood S, Morrice N, Kamli-Salino S, Dekeryte R, Hoffmann PA, Doherty MK, Whitfield PD, Delibegović M, Mody N. Fenretinide inhibits obesity and fatty liver disease but induces Smpd3 to increase serum ceramides and worsen atherosclerosis in LDLR -/- mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3937. [PMID: 36894641 PMCID: PMC9998859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fenretinide is a synthetic retinoid that can prevent obesity and improve insulin sensitivity in mice by directly altering retinol/retinoic acid homeostasis and inhibiting excess ceramide biosynthesis. We determined the effects of Fenretinide on LDLR-/- mice fed high-fat/high-cholesterol diet ± Fenretinide, a model of atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fenretinide prevented obesity, improved insulin sensitivity and completely inhibited hepatic triglyceride accumulation, ballooning and steatosis. Moreover, Fenretinide decreased the expression of hepatic genes driving NAFLD, inflammation and fibrosis e.g. Hsd17b13, Cd68 and Col1a1. The mechanisms of Fenretinide's beneficial effects in association with decreased adiposity were mediated by inhibition of ceramide synthesis, via hepatic DES1 protein, leading to increased dihydroceramide precursors. However, Fenretinide treatment in LDLR-/- mice enhanced circulating triglycerides and worsened aortic plaque formation. Interestingly, Fenretinide led to a fourfold increase in hepatic sphingomyelinase Smpd3 expression, via a retinoic acid-mediated mechanism and a further increase in circulating ceramide levels, linking induction of ceramide generation via sphingomyelin hydrolysis to a novel mechanism of increased atherosclerosis. Thus, despite beneficial metabolic effects, Fenretinide treatment may under certain circumstances enhance the development of atherosclerosis. However, targeting both DES1 and Smpd3 may be a novel, more potent therapeutic approach for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Thompson
- Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Shehroz Mahmood
- Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Nicola Morrice
- Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Sarah Kamli-Salino
- Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Ruta Dekeryte
- Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Philip A Hoffmann
- Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Mary K Doherty
- Lipidomics Research Facility, Department of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Science, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK
| | - Philip D Whitfield
- Lipidomics Research Facility, Department of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Science, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK
- Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Mirela Delibegović
- Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Nimesh Mody
- Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
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6
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Colombo A, Franchi E, Lääperi M, Laaksonen R, Chiesa G. Effect of Diets on Plasma and Aorta Lipidome: A Study in the apoE Knockout Mouse Model. Mol Nutr Food Res 2023; 67:e2200367. [PMID: 36419336 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202200367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Specific lipid molecules circulating in plasma at low concentrations have emerged as biomarkers of atherosclerotic risk. The aim of the present study is that of evaluating, in an athero-prone mouse model, how different diets can affect plasma and aorta lipidome. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-six apoE knockout mice are divided in three groups and feed 12 weeks with diets differing for cholesterol and fatty acid content. Atherosclerosis is measured at the aortic sinus and aorta. Lipids are quantified in plasma and aorta with mass spectrometry. The cholesterol content of the diets is the main driver of lipid accumulation in plasma and aorta. The fatty acid composition of the diets affects plasma levels both of essential (linoleic acid) and nonessential (myristic and arachidonic acid) ones. Lipidomics show a comparable distribution, in plasma and aorta, of the main lipid components of oxidized LDL, including cholesteryl esters and lysophosphatidylcholines. Interestingly, lactosylceramide, glucosyl/galactosylceramide, and individual ceramide species are found to accumulate in diseased aortic segments. CONCLUSION Both the cholesterol and fatty acid content of the diets profoundly affect plasma lipidome. Aorta lipidome is likewise affected with the accumulation of specific lipids known as markers of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti, 9, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti, 9, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti, 9, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Elsa Franchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti, 9, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | | | - Reijo Laaksonen
- Zora Biosciences Oy, Espoo, 02150, Finland.,Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Tampere, Tampere, 33520, Finland
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti, 9, Milan, 20133, Italy
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7
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Yu XD, Wang JW. Ceramide de novo synthesis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115157. [PMID: 35777449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, and its advanced form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Ceramides have been shown to exacerbate NAFLD development through enhancing insulin resistance, reactive oxygen species production, liver steatosis, lipotoxicity and hepatocyte apoptosis, and eventually causing hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Emerging evidence indicates that ceramide production in NAFLD is predominantly attributed to activation of the de novo synthesis pathway of ceramides in hepatocytes. More importantly, pharmacological modulation of ceramide de novo synthesis in preclinical studies seems efficacious for the treatment of NAFLD. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathogenic mechanisms of ceramides in NAFLD, discuss recent advances and challenges in pharmacological interventions targeting ceramide de novo synthesis, and propose some research directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Yu
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jiong-Wei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI), National University Heart Centre Singapore (NUHCS), Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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8
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Colombo A, Franchi E, Bonacina F, Chiara M, Arnaboldi F, Donetti E, Ambrogi F, Oleari R, Lettieri A, Horner D, Scanziani E, Norata GD, Chiesa G. Lack of ApoA-I in ApoEKO Mice Causes Skin Xanthomas, Worsening of Inflammation, and Increased Coronary Atherosclerosis in the Absence of Hyperlipidemia. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:839-856. [PMID: 35587694 PMCID: PMC9205301 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.317790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and its major protein component, apoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I), play a unique role in cholesterol homeostasis and immunity. ApoA-I deficiency in hyperlipidemic, atheroprone mice was shown to drive cholesterol accumulation and inflammatory cell activation/proliferation. The present study was aimed at investigating the impact of apoA-I deficiency on lipid deposition and local/systemic inflammation in normolipidemic conditions. Methods: ApoE deficient mice, apoE/apoA-I double deficient (DKO) mice, DKO mice overexpressing human apoA-I, and C57Bl/6J control mice were fed normal laboratory diet until 30 weeks of age. Plasma lipids were quantified, atherosclerosis development at the aortic sinus and coronary arteries was measured, skin ultrastructure was evaluated by electron microscopy. Blood and lymphoid organs were characterized through histological, immunocytofluorimetric, and whole transcriptome analyses. Results: DKO were characterized by almost complete HDL deficiency and by plasma total cholesterol levels comparable to control mice. Only DKO showed xanthoma formation and severe inflammation in the skin-draining lymph nodes, whose transcriptome analysis revealed a dramatic impairment in energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation pathways. An increased presence of CD4+ T effector memory cells was detected in blood, spleen, and skin-draining lymph nodes of DKO. A worsening of atherosclerosis at the aortic sinus and coronary arteries was also observed in DKO versus apoE deficient. Human apoA-I overexpression in the DKO background was able to rescue the skin phenotype and halt atherosclerosis development. Conclusions: HDL deficiency, in the absence of hyperlipidemia, is associated with severe alterations of skin morphology, aortic and coronary atherosclerosis, local and systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Elsa Franchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Bonacina
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Chiara
- Department of Biosciences (M.C., D.H.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy (M.C., D.H.)
| | - Francesca Arnaboldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (F. Arnaboldi, E.D.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Donetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (F. Arnaboldi, E.D.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Ambrogi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (F. Ambrogi), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - David Horner
- Department of Biosciences (M.C., D.H.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy (M.C., D.H.)
| | - Eugenio Scanziani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (E.S.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Mouse and Animal Pathology Laboratory (MAPLab), Fondazione UniMi, Milan, Italy (E.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Centro per lo Studio dell'Aterosclerosi, Bassini Hospital, Cinisello B, Milan, Italy (G.D.N.)
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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9
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Jackson KG, Way GW, Zhou H. Bile acids and sphingolipids in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:1163-1171. [PMID: 35788089 PMCID: PMC9337250 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the fastest-growing diseases, and its global prevalence is estimated to increase >50% by 2030. NAFLD is comorbid with metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. Despite extensive research efforts, there are no pharmacologic or biological therapeutics for the treatment of NAFLD. Bile acids and sphingolipids are well-characterized signaling molecules. Over the last few decades, researchers have uncovered potential mechanisms by which bile acids and sphingolipids regulate hepatic lipid metabolism. Dysregulation of bile acid and sphingolipid metabolism has been linked to steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. This clinical observation has been recapitulated in animal models, which are well-accepted by experts in the hepatology field. Recent transcriptomic and lipidomic studies also show that sphingolipids are important players in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Moreover, the identification of bile acids as activators of sphingolipid-mediated signaling pathways established a novel theory for bile acid and sphingolipid biology. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the understanding of bile acid and sphingolipid-mediated signaling pathways as potential contributors to NAFLD. A better understanding of the pathologic effects mediated by bile acids and sphingolipids will facilitate the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn G. Jackson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Grayson W. Way
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
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10
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Manzini S, Busnelli M, Colombo A, Franchi E, Grossano P, Chiesa G. reString: an open-source Python software to perform automatic functional enrichment retrieval, results aggregation and data visualization. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23458. [PMID: 34873191 PMCID: PMC8648753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional enrichment analysis is an analytical method to extract biological insights from gene expression data, popularized by the ever-growing application of high-throughput techniques. Typically, expression profiles are generated for hundreds to thousands of genes/proteins from samples belonging to two experimental groups, and after ad-hoc statistical tests, researchers are left with lists of statistically significant entities, possibly lacking any unifying biological theme. Functional enrichment tackles the problem of putting overall gene expression changes into a broader biological context, based on pre-existing knowledge bases of reference: database collections of known expression regulation, relationships and molecular interactions. STRING is among the most popular tools, providing both protein–protein interaction networks and functional enrichment analysis for any given set of identifiers. For complex experimental designs, manually retrieving, interpreting, analyzing and abridging functional enrichment results is a daunting task, usually performed by hand by the average wet-biology researcher. We have developed reString, a cross-platform software that seamlessly retrieves from STRING functional enrichments from multiple user-supplied gene sets, with just a few clicks, without any need for specific bioinformatics skills. Further, it aggregates all findings into human-readable table summaries, with built-in features to easily produce user-customizable publication-grade clustermaps and bubble plots. Herein, we outline a complete reString protocol, showcasing its features on a real use-case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elsa Franchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Grossano
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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11
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Tanase DM, Gosav EM, Petrov D, Jucan AE, Lacatusu CM, Floria M, Tarniceriu CC, Costea CF, Ciocoiu M, Rezus C. Involvement of Ceramides in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Atherosclerosis (ATS) Development: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:2053. [PMID: 34829402 PMCID: PMC8621166 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis (ATS) are worldwide known diseases with increased incidence and prevalence. These two are driven and are interconnected by multiple oxidative and metabolic functions such as lipotoxicity. A gamut of evidence suggests that sphingolipids (SL), such as ceramides, account for much of the tissue damage. Although in humans they are proving to be accurate biomarkers of adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes and NAFLD progression, in rodents, pharmacological inhibition or depletion of enzymes driving de novo ceramide synthesis prevents the development of metabolic driven diseases such as diabetes, ATS, and hepatic steatosis. In this narrative review, we discuss the pathways which generate the ceramide synthesis, the potential use of circulating ceramides as novel biomarkers in the development and progression of ATS and related diseases, and their potential use as therapeutic targets in NAFDL-ATS development which can further provide new clues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Maria Tanase
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.T.); (E.M.G.); (C.R.)
- Internal Medicine Clinic, “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital Iasi, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Evelina Maria Gosav
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.T.); (E.M.G.); (C.R.)
- Internal Medicine Clinic, “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital Iasi, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniela Petrov
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- I Rheumatology Clinic, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alina Ecaterina Jucan
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Mihaela Lacatusu
- Unit of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Clinical Center of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mariana Floria
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.T.); (E.M.G.); (C.R.)
- Internal Medicine Clinic, Emergency Military Clinical Hospital Iasi, 700483 Iasi, Romania
| | - Claudia Cristina Tarniceriu
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Discipline of Anatomy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Hematology Clinic, “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Claudia Florida Costea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- 2nd Ophthalmology Clinic, “Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 700309 Iasi, Romania
| | - Manuela Ciocoiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.T.); (E.M.G.); (C.R.)
- Internal Medicine Clinic, “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital Iasi, 700111 Iasi, Romania
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12
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Colombo A, Bonacina F, Norata GD, Franchi E, Castiglioni S, Andronis C, Lekka E, Scanziani E, Chiesa G. Rupatadine treatment is associated to atherosclerosis worsening and altered T lymphocyte recruitment. Thromb Haemost 2021; 122:853-856. [PMID: 34695872 PMCID: PMC9197591 DOI: 10.1055/a-1678-4031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
No Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Pharmacological and Biomolecular sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Alice Colombo
- DISFEB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Bonacina
- Pharmacological and Biomolecular sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Elsa Franchi
- Pharmacological and Biomolecular sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Eugenio Scanziani
- Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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13
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Choi RH, Tatum SM, Symons JD, Summers SA, Holland WL. Ceramides and other sphingolipids as drivers of cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2021; 18:701-711. [PMID: 33772258 PMCID: PMC8978615 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-021-00536-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Increases in calorie consumption and sedentary lifestyles are fuelling a global pandemic of cardiometabolic diseases, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy and heart failure. These lifestyle factors, when combined with genetic predispositions, increase the levels of circulating lipids, which can accumulate in non-adipose tissues, including blood vessel walls and the heart. The metabolism of these lipids produces bioactive intermediates that disrupt cellular function and survival. A compelling body of evidence suggests that sphingolipids, such as ceramides, account for much of the tissue damage in these cardiometabolic diseases. In humans, serum ceramide levels are proving to be accurate biomarkers of adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes. In mice and rats, pharmacological inhibition or depletion of enzymes driving de novo ceramide synthesis prevents the development of diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart failure. In cultured cells and isolated tissues, ceramides perturb mitochondrial function, block fuel usage, disrupt vasodilatation and promote apoptosis. In this Review, we discuss the body of literature suggesting that ceramides are drivers - and not merely passengers - on the road to cardiovascular disease. Moreover, we explore the feasibility of therapeutic strategies to lower ceramide levels to improve cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Hee Choi
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Ran Hee Choi, Sean M. Tatum
| | - Sean M. Tatum
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Ran Hee Choi, Sean M. Tatum
| | - J. David Symons
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Scott A. Summers
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - William L. Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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14
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Wang JS, Tsai PH, Tseng KF, Chen FY, Yang WC, Shen MY. Sesamol Ameliorates Renal Injury-Mediated Atherosclerosis via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress/IKKα/p53. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10101519. [PMID: 34679653 PMCID: PMC8532890 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10101519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at an increased risk of premature death due to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) owing to atherosclerosis-mediated cardiovascular events. However, the mechanisms linking CKD and CVD are clear, and the current treatments for high-risk groups are limited. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of sesamol, a natural compound extracted from sesame oil, on the development of atherosclerosis in a rodent CKD model, and reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative damage in an endothelial cell model. ApoE–/– mice were subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) and administered sesamol for 8 weeks. Compared with the sham group, the 5/6 Nx ApoE–/– mice showed a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels and Oil Red O staining patterns, which significantly decreased following sesamol administration. Sesamol suppressed H2O2-induced expression of phospho-IKKα, p53, and caspase-3. Our results highlight the protective role of sesamol in renal injury-associated atherosclerosis and the pathological importance of oxidative stress burden in CKD–CVD interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Sian Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (J.-S.W.); (P.-H.T.); (F.-Y.C.)
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Hsuan Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (J.-S.W.); (P.-H.T.); (F.-Y.C.)
| | - Kuo-Feng Tseng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
| | - Fang-Yu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (J.-S.W.); (P.-H.T.); (F.-Y.C.)
| | - Wen-Chin Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec. 2, Academia Rd., Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Yi Shen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (J.-S.W.); (P.-H.T.); (F.-Y.C.)
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +886-4-2205-3366 (ext. 5809)
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15
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Macrophages Impair TLR9 Agonist Antitumor Activity through Interacting with the Anti-PD-1 Antibody Fc Domain. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164081. [PMID: 34439233 PMCID: PMC8391891 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We evaluated the contribution of macrophages to the effect of combinatorial immunotherapeutic treatments based on TLR9 stimulation (with CpG-ODNs) and PD-1 blockade in an ovarian cancer preclinical model. We observed a strong reduction in the antitumor efficacy of a TLR9 agonist upon anti-PD-1 antibody administration. Specifically, we found that TLR9-stimulated macrophages, through interacting with the fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of the anti-PD-1 antibody, acquire an immunoregulatory phenotype leading to dampening of CpG-ODN antitumor effect. Since the stimulation of macrophage TLRs can be achieved not only by synthetic agonists but also by molecules present in the tumor microenvironment, the data we are presenting may represent another possible mechanism of anti-PD-1 antibody therapy resistance. Indeed, it is possible that when delivered as a monotherapy, anti-PD-1 antibody Fc domain may interact with macrophages in which TLR signaling has already been triggered by endogenous ligands, mirroring the biological effects described in the present study. Abstract Background. A combination of TLR9 agonists and an anti-PD-1 antibody has been reported to be effective in immunocompetent mice but the role of innate immunity has not yet been completely elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of the innate immune system to this combinatorial immunotherapeutic regimens using an immunodeficient mouse model in which the effector functions of innate immunity can clearly emerge without any interference from T lymphocytes. Methods. Athymic mice xenografted with IGROV-1 human ovarian cells, reported to be sensitive to TLR9 agonist therapy, were treated with cytosine–guanine (CpG)-oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), an anti-PD-1 antibody or their combination. Results. We found that PD-1 blockade dampened CpG-ODN antitumor activity. In vitro studies indicated that the interaction between the anti-PD-1 antibody fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain and macrophage Fc receptors caused these immune cells to acquire an immunoregulatory phenotype, contributing to a decrease in the efficacy of CpG-ODNs. Accordingly, in vivo macrophage depletion abrogated the detrimental effect exerted by the anti-PD-1 antibody. Conclusion. Our data suggest that if TLR signaling is active in macrophages, coadministration of an anti-PD-1 antibody can reprogram these immune cells towards a polarization state able to negatively affect the immune response and eventually promote tumor growth.
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Chiara M, Colombo A, Fontana F, Oleari R, Potì F, Horner D, Bellosta S, Chiesa G. Aortic Gene Expression Profiles Show How ApoA-I Levels Modulate Inflammation, Lysosomal Activity, and Sphingolipid Metabolism in Murine Atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:651-667. [PMID: 33327742 PMCID: PMC7837693 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HDL (high-density lipoprotein) particles are known to possess several antiatherogenic properties that include the removal of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues, the maintenance of endothelial integrity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. ApoA-I overexpression in apoE-deficient (EKO) mice has been shown to increase HDL levels and to strongly reduce atherosclerosis development. The aim of the study was to investigate gene expression patterns associated with atherosclerosis development in the aorta of EKO mice and how HDL plasma levels relate to gene expression patterns at different stages of atherosclerosis development and with different dietary treatments. Approach and Results: Eight-week-old EKO mice, EKO mice overexpressing human apoA-I, and wild-type mice as controls were fed either normal laboratory or Western diet for 6 or 22 weeks. Cholesterol distribution among lipoproteins was evaluated, and atherosclerosis of the aorta was quantified. High-throughput sequencing technologies were used to analyze the transcriptome of the aorta of the 3 genotypes in each experimental condition. In addition to the well-known activation of inflammation and immune response, the impairment of sphingolipid metabolism, phagosome-lysosome system, and osteoclast differentiation emerged as relevant players in atherosclerosis development. The reduced atherosclerotic burden in the aorta of EKO mice expressing high levels of apoA-I was accompanied by a reduced activation of immune system markers, as well as reduced perturbation of lysosomal activity and a better regulation of the sphingolipid synthesis pathway. CONCLUSIONS ApoA-I modulates atherosclerosis development in the aorta of EKO mice affecting the expression of pathways additional to those associated with inflammation and immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Chiara
- Department of Biosciences (M.C., D.H.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy (M.C., D.H.)
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Fontana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery—Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, Italy (F.P.)
| | - David Horner
- Department of Biosciences (M.C., D.H.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy (M.C., D.H.)
| | - Stefano Bellosta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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17
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Wu Y, Song F, Li Y, Li J, Cui Y, Hong Y, Han W, Wu W, Lakhani I, Li G, Wang Y. Acacetin exerts antioxidant potential against atherosclerosis through Nrf2 pathway in apoE -/- Mice. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 25:521-534. [PMID: 33241629 PMCID: PMC7810944 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has a considerable influence on endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Acacetin, an anti-inflammatory and antiarrhythmic, is frequently used in the treatment of myocarditis, albeit its role in managing atherosclerosis is currently unclear. Thus, we evaluated the regulatory effects of acacetin in maintaining endothelial cell function and further investigated whether the flavonoid could attenuate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficiency (apoE-/- ) mice. Different concentrations of acacetin were tested on EA.hy926 cells, either induced or non-induced by human oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), to clarify its influence on cell viability, cellular reactive oxidative stress (ROS) level, apoptotic ratios and other regulatory effects. In vivo, apoE-/- mice were fed either a Western diet or a chow diet. Acacetin pro-drug (15 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously two times a day for 12 weeks. The effects of acacetin on the atherosclerotic process, plasma inflammatory factors and lipid metabolism were also investigated. Acacetin significantly increased EA.hy926 cell viability by reducing the ratios of apoptotic and necrotic cells at 3 μmol/L. Moreover, 3 μmol/L acacetin clearly decreased ROS levels and enhanced reductase protein expression through MsrA and Nrf2 pathway through phosphorylation of Nrf2 and degradation of Keap1. In vivo, acacetin treatment remarkably attenuated atherosclerosis by increasing reductase levels in circulation and aortic roots, decreasing plasma inflammatory factor levels as well as accelerating lipid metabolism in Western diet-fed apoE-/- mice. Our findings demonstrate the anti-oxidative and anti-atherosclerotic effects of acacetin, in turn suggesting its potential therapeutic value in atherosclerotic-related cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wu
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fei Song
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yunda Li
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jingzhou Li
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yukai Cui
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yixiang Hong
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Weimin Han
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Weiyin Wu
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ishan Lakhani
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gang Li
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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18
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Jablaoui A, Bruneau A, Kriaa A, Philippe C, Arnaboldi F, Colombo A, Ferrari B, Ambrogi F, Maguin E, Rhimi M, Chiesa G, Gérard P. Fat-Shaped Microbiota Affects Lipid Metabolism, Liver Steatosis, and Intestinal Homeostasis in Mice Fed a Low-Protein Diet. Mol Nutr Food Res 2020; 64:e1900835. [PMID: 32579743 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201900835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Protein malnutrition is characterized by stunted growth, hepatic steatosis and a damaged gut mucosal architecture. Since high-fat shaped gut microbiota (HFM) has an increased ability in providing nutrients and energy from food to the host, the aim of this study is to determine whether such a microbiota could beneficially impact on the consequences of malnutrition. METHODS AND RESULTS The cecal content of specific pathogen free C57Bl/6J mice fed a high-fat diet or a low-protein diet is transplanted in two groups of germ-free C57Bl/6J recipient mice, which are subsequently fed a low-protein diet for 8 weeks. Body weight gain is comparable between the two groups of microbiota-recipient mice. The HFM led to a worsening of microvesicular steatosis and a decrease of plasma lipids compared to the low-protein shaped microbiota. In the small intestine of mice receiving the HFM, although significant histological differences are not observed, the expression of antimicrobial genes promoting oxidative stress and immune response at the ileal epithelium (Duox2, Duoxa2, Saa1, Ang4, Defa5) is increased. CONCLUSION The transplant of HFM in mice fed a low-protein diet represents a noxious stimulus for the ileal mucosa and impairs hepatic lipoprotein secretion, favoring the occurrence of hepatic microvesicular steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Amin Jablaoui
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Aurélia Bruneau
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Aïcha Kriaa
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Catherine Philippe
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Francesca Arnaboldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Benedetta Ferrari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Federico Ambrogi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Emmanuelle Maguin
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Moez Rhimi
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Philippe Gérard
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
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19
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Orienti I, Gentilomi GA, Farruggia G. Pulmonary Delivery of Fenretinide: A Possible Adjuvant Treatment In COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3812. [PMID: 32471278 PMCID: PMC7312074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there is no vaccine or effective standard treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (or coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)), which frequently leads to lethal pulmonary inflammatory responses. COVID-19 pathology is characterized by extreme inflammation and amplified immune response with activation of a cytokine storm. A subsequent progression to acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can take place, which is often followed by death. The causes of these strong inflammatory responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection are still unknown. As uncontrolled pulmonary inflammation is likely the main cause of death in SARS-CoV-2 infection, anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions are particularly important. Fenretinide N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide is a bioactive molecule characterized by poly-pharmacological properties and a low toxicity profile. Fenretinide is endowed with antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulating properties other than efficacy in obesity/diabetic pathologies. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities, in particular, could likely have utility in multimodal therapies for the treatment of ALI/ARDS in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, fenretinide administration by pulmonary delivery systems could further increase its therapeutic value by carrying high drug concentrations to the lungs and triggering a rapid onset of activity. This is particularly important in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where only a narrow time window exists for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via S. Donato 19/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Angela Gentilomi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Unit of Microbiology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via S. Donato 19/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
- Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (BBNI), 00136 Roma, Italy
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20
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Bonacina F, Soldati S, Barbieri SS, Amadio P, Sandrini L, Arnaboldi F, Donetti E, Laaksonen R, Paltrinieri S, Scanziani E, Chiesa G. Fenretinide treatment accelerates atherosclerosis development in apoE-deficient mice in spite of beneficial metabolic effects. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 177:328-345. [PMID: 31621898 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fenretinide, a synthetic retinoid derivative first investigated for cancer prevention and treatment, has been shown to ameliorate glucose tolerance, improve plasma lipid profile and reduce body fat mass. These effects, together with its ability to inhibit ceramide synthesis, suggest that fenretinide may have an anti-atherosclerotic action. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To this aim, nine-week-old apoE-knockout (EKO) female mice were fed for twelve weeks a Western diet, without (control) or with (0.1% w/w) fenretinide. As a reference, wild-type (WT) mice were treated similarly. Growth and metabolic parameters were monitored throughout the study. Atherosclerosis development was evaluated in the aorta and at the aortic sinus. Blood and lymphoid organs were further characterized with thorough cytological/histological and immunocytofluorimetric analyses. KEY RESULTS Fenretinide treatment significantly lowered body weight, glucose levels and plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. In the liver, fenretinide remarkably reduced hepatic glycogenosis and steatosis driven by the Western diet. Treated spleens were abnormally enlarged, with severe follicular atrophy and massive extramedullary haematopoiesis. Severe renal hemosiderin deposition was observed in treated EKO mice. Treatment resulted in a threefold increase of total leukocytes (WT and EKO) and raised the activated/resting monocyte ratio in EKO mice. Finally, atherosclerosis development was markedly increased at the aortic arch, thoracic and abdominal aorta of fenretinide-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We provide the first evidence that, despite beneficial metabolic effects, fenretinide treatment may enhance the development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Bonacina
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabina Soldati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Leonardo Sandrini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Arnaboldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Donetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Reijo Laaksonen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Scanziani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Mouse and Animal Pathology Laboratory (MAPLab), Fondazione UniMi, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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