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Watts SW, Thompson JM, Bhattacharya S, Panda V, Terrian L, Contreras A, Nault R. Integrins play a role in stress relaxation of perivascular adipose tissue. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107269. [PMID: 38880313 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is known for being anti-contractile in healthy tissues. We discovered a new function of PVAT, the ability to stress relax and maintain a tone in response to a stretch. This is of note because stress relaxation has been attributed to smooth muscle, of which PVAT has none that is organized in a functional layer. We test the hypothesis the interactions of integrins with collagen play a role in stress relaxation. Our model is the thoracic aorta of the male Dahl SS rat. The PVAT and aorta were physically separated for most assays. Results from single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) experiments, histochemistry and isometric contractility were also used. Masson Trichrome staining made evident the expression of collagen in PVAT. From snRNA seq experiments of the PVAT, mRNA for multiple collagen and integrin isoforms were detected: the α1 and β1 integrin were most highly expressed. Pharmacological inhibition of integrin/collagen interaction was effected by the specific α1β1 distintegrin obtustatin or general integrin inhibitor RGD peptide. RGD peptide but not obtustatin increased the stress relaxation. Cell-cell communication inference identified integrins αv and α5, two major RGD motif containing isoforms, as potential signaling partners of collagens. Collectively, these findings validate that stress relaxation can occur in a non-smooth muscle tissue, doing so in part through integrin-collagen interactions that may not include α1β1 heterodimers. The importance of this lies in considering PVAT as a vascular layer that possesses mechanical functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie W Watts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA.
| | - Janice M Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - Sudin Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA; Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - Vishal Panda
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA; Department of Statistics and Probability, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317 USA
| | - Leah Terrian
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - Andres Contreras
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| | - Rance Nault
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
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Thompson JM, Watts SW, Terrian L, Contreras GA, Rockwell C, Rendon CJ, Wabel E, Lockwood L, Bhattacharya S, Nault R. A cell atlas of thoracic aortic perivascular adipose tissue: a focus on mechanotransducers. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H1252-H1265. [PMID: 38517229 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00040.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is increasingly recognized for its function in mechanotransduction. However, major gaps remain in our understanding of the cells present in PVAT, as well as how different cells contribute to mechanotransduction. We hypothesized that snRNA-seq would reveal the expression of mechanotransducers, and test one (PIEZO1) to illustrate the expression and functional agreement between single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and physiological measurements. To contrast two brown tissues, subscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) was also examined. We used snRNA-seq of the thoracic aorta PVAT (taPVAT) and BAT from male Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl SS) rats to investigate cell-specific expression mechanotransducers. Localization and function of the mechanostransducer PIEZO1 were further examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNAscope, as well as pharmacological antagonism. Approximately 30,000 nuclei from taPVAT and BAT each were characterized by snRNA-seq, identifying eight major cell types expected and one unexpected (nuclei with oligodendrocyte marker genes). Cell-specific differential gene expression analysis between taPVAT and BAT identified up to 511 genes (adipocytes) with many (≥20%) being unique to individual cell types. Piezo1 was the most highly, widely expressed mechanotransducer. The presence of PIEZO1 in the PVAT but not the adventitia was confirmed by RNAscope and IHC in male and female rats. Importantly, antagonism of PIEZO1 by GsMTX4 impaired the PVAT's ability to hold tension. Collectively, the cell compositions of taPVAT and BAT are highly similar, and PIEZO1 is likely a mechanotransducer in taPVAT.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study describes the atlas of cells in the thoracic aorta perivascular adipose tissue (taPVAT) of the Dahl-SS rat, an important hypertension model. We show that mechanotransducers are widely expressed in these cells. Moreover, PIEZO1 expression is shown to be restricted to the taPVAT and is functionally implicated in stress relaxation. These data will serve as the foundation for future studies investigating the role of taPVAT in this model of hypertensive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Stephanie W Watts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Leah Terrian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - G Andres Contreras
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Cheryl Rockwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - C Javier Rendon
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Emma Wabel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Lizbeth Lockwood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Sudin Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Rance Nault
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
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Buckley DJ, Sharma S, Joseph B, Fayyaz AH, Canizales A, Terrebonne KJ, Trott DW. Early life thymectomy induces arterial dysfunction in mice. GeroScience 2024; 46:1035-1051. [PMID: 37354388 PMCID: PMC10828352 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00853-y] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging of the arteries is characterized by increased large artery stiffness and impaired endothelium-dependent dilation. We have previously shown that in old (22-24 month) mice T cells accumulate within aorta and mesentery. We have also shown that pharmacologic and genetic deletion of these T cells ameliorates age-related arterial dysfunction. These data indicate that T cells contribute to arterial aging; however, it is unknown if aged T cells alone can induce arterial dysfunction in otherwise young mice. To produce an aged-like T cell phenotype, mice were thymectomized at three-weeks of age or were left with their thymus intact. At 9 months of age, thymectomized mice exhibited greater proportions of both CD4 + and CD8 + memory T cells compared to controls in the blood. Similar changes were observed in the T cells accumulating in the aorta and mesentery. We also observed greater numbers of proinflammatory cytokine producing T cells in the aorta and mesentery. The phenotypic T cell changes in the blood, aorta and mesentery of thymectomized mice were similar to those observed when we compared young (4-6 month) to old thymus intact mice. Along with these alterations, compared to controls, thymectomized mice exhibited augmented large artery stiffness and greater aortic collagen deposition as well as impaired mesenteric artery endothelium dependent dilation due to blunted nitric oxide bioavailability. These results indicate that early life thymectomy results in arterial dysfunction and suggest that an aged-like T cell phenotype alone is sufficient to induce arterial dysfunction in otherwise young mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Buckley
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Sunita Sharma
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Blessy Joseph
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Alia H Fayyaz
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Alexandra Canizales
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Konner J Terrebonne
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA
| | - Daniel W Trott
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, 655 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX, 76010, USA.
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Wilson C, Thompson JM, Terrian L, Lauver AD, Flood ED, Fink GD, Sather L, Bhattacharya S, Contreras GA, Watts SW. Perivascular Adipose Tissue Remodels Only after Elevation of Blood Pressure in the Dahl SS Rat Fed a High-Fat Diet. J Vasc Res 2023; 61:26-37. [PMID: 38113863 PMCID: PMC10836923 DOI: 10.1159/000535513] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tunica media extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is well understood to occur in response to elevated blood pressure, unlike the remodeling of other tunicas. We hypothesize that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is responsive to hypertension and remodels as a protective measure. METHODS The adventitia and PVAT of the thoracic aorta were used in measuring ECM genes from 5 pairs of Dahl SS male rats on 8 or 24 weeks of feeding from weaning on a control (10% Kcal fat) or high-fat (HF; 60%) diet. A PCR array of ECM genes was performed with cDNA from adventitia and PVAT after 8 and 24 weeks. A gene regulatory network of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (HF 2-fold > con) was created using Cytoscape. RESULTS After 8 weeks, 29 adventitia but 0 PVAT DEGs were found. By contrast, at 24 weeks, PVAT possessed 47 DEGs while adventitia had 3. Top DEGs at 8 weeks in adventitia were thrombospondin 1 and collagen 8a1. At 24 weeks, thrombospondin 1 was also a top DEG in PVAT. The transcription factor Adarb1 was identified as a regulator of DEGs in 8-week adventitia and 24-week PVAT. CONCLUSION These data support that PVAT responds biologically once blood pressure is elevated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Janice M. Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Leah Terrian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Adam D. Lauver
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Emma D. Flood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gregory D. Fink
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lisa Sather
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Sudin Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - G. Andres Contreras
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Stephanie W. Watts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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5
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Thompson JM, Watts SW, Terrian L, Contreras GA, Rockwell C, Rendon CJ, Wabel E, Lockwood L, Bhattacharya S, Nault R. A Cell Atlas of Thoracic Aortic Perivascular Adipose Tissue: a focus on mechanotransducers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.09.561581. [PMID: 37873456 PMCID: PMC10592719 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.09.561581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is increasingly recognized for its function in mechanotransduction. To examine the cell-specificity of recognized mechanotransducers we used single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) of the thoracic aorta PVAT (taPVAT) from male Dahl SS rats compared to subscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT). Approximately 30,000 nuclei from taPVAT and BAT each were characterized by snRNAseq, identifying 8 major cell types expected and one unexpected (nuclei with oligodendrocyte marker genes). Cell-specific differential gene expression analysis between taPVAT and BAT identified up to 511 genes (adipocytes) with many (≥20%) being unique to individual cell types. Piezo1 was the most highly, widely expressed mechanotransducer. Presence of PIEZO1 in the PVAT was confirmed by RNAscope® and IHC; antagonism of PIEZO1 impaired the PVAT's ability to hold tension. Collectively, the cell compositions of taPVAT and BAT are highly similar, and PIEZO1 is likely a mechanotransducer in taPVAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M. Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Denotes individuals contributed equally as first authors to this work
| | - Stephanie W. Watts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Denotes individuals contributed equally as first authors to this work
| | - Leah Terrian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Denotes individuals contributed equally as first authors to this work
| | - G. Andres Contreras
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Cheryl Rockwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - C. Javier Rendon
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Emma Wabel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lizabeth Lockwood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Sudin Bhattacharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Rance Nault
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Denotes individuals contributed equally as first authors to this work
- Denotes lead contact
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Mazitova AM, Márquez-Sánchez AC, Koltsova EK. Fat and inflammation: adipocyte-myeloid cell crosstalk in atherosclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1238664. [PMID: 37781401 PMCID: PMC10540690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1238664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue inflammation has been implicated in various chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounds the aorta as an extra layer and was suggested to contribute to atherosclerosis development. PVAT regulates the function of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells in the aorta and represent a reservoir for various immune cells which may participate in aortic inflammation. Recent studies demonstrate that adipocytes also express various cytokine receptors and, therefore, may directly respond to inflammatory stimuli. Here we will summarize current knowledge on immune mechanisms regulating adipocyte activation and the crosstalk between myeloid cells and adipocytes in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M. Mazitova
- Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ana Cristina Márquez-Sánchez
- Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ekaterina K. Koltsova
- Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Gusev E, Sarapultsev A. Atherosclerosis and Inflammation: Insights from the Theory of General Pathological Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097910. [PMID: 37175617 PMCID: PMC10178362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances have greatly improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind atherosclerosis pathogenesis. However, there is still a need to systematize this data from a general pathology perspective, particularly with regard to atherogenesis patterns in the context of both canonical and non-classical inflammation types. In this review, we analyze various typical phenomena and outcomes of cellular pro-inflammatory stress in atherosclerosis, as well as the role of endothelial dysfunction in local and systemic manifestations of low-grade inflammation. We also present the features of immune mechanisms in the development of productive inflammation in stable and unstable plaques, along with their similarities and differences compared to canonical inflammation. There are numerous factors that act as inducers of the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis, including vascular endothelium aging, metabolic dysfunctions, autoimmune, and in some cases, infectious damage factors. Life-critical complications of atherosclerosis, such as cardiogenic shock and severe strokes, are associated with the development of acute systemic hyperinflammation. Additionally, critical atherosclerotic ischemia of the lower extremities induces paracoagulation and the development of chronic systemic inflammation. Conversely, sepsis, other critical conditions, and severe systemic chronic diseases contribute to atherogenesis. In summary, atherosclerosis can be characterized as an independent form of inflammation, sharing similarities but also having fundamental differences from low-grade inflammation and various variants of canonical inflammation (classic vasculitis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gusev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia
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8
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Fleenor BS, Carlini NA, Ouyang A, Du B, Harber MP. Greater aortic perivascular adipose tissue density is associated with aging, aortic stiffness, and central blood pressure in humans. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:703-709. [PMID: 36759156 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00745.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging results in aortic perivascular adipose tissue (aPVAT)-mediated aortic stiffening in preclinical animal models to promote cardiovascular dysfunction. We hypothesized that greater human aPVAT density will be associated with aging, higher aortic stiffness, and blood pressure (BP). Fourteen apparently healthy adults (6 M/8 F, age range 20-79 yr) were recruited for this study. Aortic stiffness, assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), resting aortic BP via pulse wave analysis, and aPVAT and abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) density by computed tomography attenuation were acquired. aPVAT and epididymal (visceral) fat from young (4-6 mo) and old (27-29 mo) mice were used for ex vivo-conditioned media intrinsic mechanical stiffness experiments. Compared with younger adults, older adults had higher cfPWV (8.6 ± 0.4 vs. 6.2 ± 0.6 m/s, P < 0.05) and greater aPVAT attenuation (-80.2 ± 2.0 vs. -95.9 ± 1.5 HU, P < 0.05), but not VAT attenuation (P > 0.05). aPVAT-conditioned media from old mice compared with young mice increased intrinsic mechanical stiffness of the aorta (4,519 ± 510 vs. 2,325 ± 563 kPa, P < 0.05), which was not observed with epididymal fat-conditioned media from old mice (P > 0.05). aPVAT, but not VAT density, was positively associated with age (r = 0.89), cfPWV (r = 0.56), resting augmentation index normalized to heart rate 75 (AIxHR75; r = 0.67), aortic systolic BP (r = 0.58), and aortic pulse pressure (PP; r = 0.59; P < 0.05, all) and were independent of VAT density (P < 0.05, all). These data herein provide evidence for aPVAT as a novel fat depot and therapeutic target to lower aortic stiffness and future cardiovascular disease risk with aging in humans.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aortic perivascular adipose tissue (aPVAT) promotes age-related aortic stiffening in preclinical animal models, but the relation between aPVAT density and cardiovascular function in adults is unknown. We demonstrate that aPVAT, but not abdominal visceral adipose tissue density, is positively associated with aging, aortic stiffness, and higher resting aortic blood pressure in apparently healthy adults. These findings provide novel evidence for aPVAT as a viable therapeutic target for improving cardiovascular function in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley S Fleenor
- Clinical Exercise Physiology Program, Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
| | - Nicholas A Carlini
- Clinical Exercise Physiology Program, Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
| | - An Ouyang
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Bing Du
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Matthew P Harber
- Clinical Exercise Physiology Program, Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
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9
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Connecting Aortic Stiffness to Vascular Contraction: Does Sex Matter? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911314. [PMID: 36232616 PMCID: PMC9569837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911314] [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: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to connect aortic stiffness to vascular contraction in young male and female Wistar rats. We hypothesized that female animals display reduced intrinsic media-layer stiffness, which associates with improved vascular function. Atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanoindentation analysis was used to derive stiffness (Young’s modulus) in biaxially (i.e., longitudinal and circumferential) unloaded aortic rings. Reactivity studies compatible with uniaxial loading (i.e., circumferential) were used to assess vascular responses to a selective α1 adrenergic receptor agonist in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium. Elastin and collagen levels were indirectly evaluated with fluorescence microscopy and a picrosirius red staining kit, respectively. We report that male and female Wistar rats display similar AFM-derived aortic media-layer stiffness, even though female animals withstand higher aortic intima-media thickness-to-diameter ratio than males. Female animals also present reduced phenylephrine-induced aortic force development in concentration-response and time-force curves. Specifically, we observed impaired force displacement in both parts of the contraction curve (Aphasic and Atonic) in experiments conducted with and without extracellular calcium. Additionally, collagen levels were lower in female animals without significant elastin content and fragmentation changes. In summary, sex-related functional differences in isolated aortas appear to be related to dissimilarities in the dynamics of vascular reactivity and extracellular matrix composition rather than a direct response to a shift in intrinsic media-layer stiffness.
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Xu S, Lyu QR, Ilyas I, Tian XY, Weng J. Vascular homeostasis in atherosclerosis: A holistic overview. Front Immunol 2022; 13:976722. [PMID: 36172381 PMCID: PMC9512393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.976722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis refers to the deposition of lipids and the co-existence of inflammation and impaired inflammation resolution in pan-vasculature, which causes lumen narrowing, hardening, plaque formation, and the manifestation of acute cardiovascular events. Emerging evidence has suggested that vascular circulation can be viewed as a complex homeostatic system analogous to a mini-ecosystem which consists of the vascular microenvironment (niche) and the crosstalk among phenotypically and functionally diverse vascular cell types. Here, we elucidate how cell components in the vascular wall affect vascular homeostasis, structure, function, and atherosclerosis in a holistic perspective. Finally, we discuss the potential role of vascular-stabilizing strategies including pharmacotherapies, natural substances and lifestyle modifications, in preventing cardiovascular diseases by preserving vascular integrity and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Suowen Xu, ; Jianping Weng,
| | - Qing Rex Lyu
- Medical Research Institute, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Tian
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Suowen Xu, ; Jianping Weng,
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