How do we prevent the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque from rupturing? Insights from in vivo assessments of plaque, vascular remodeling, and local endothelial shear stress

Application of nanoultrasonography in early diagnosis of coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains one of the leading causes of mortality and disability globally. In recent years, nanoultrasonography technology has demonstrated significant potential in both the diagnosis and treatment of CHD. This review summarizes the latest research advancements in nanoultrasonography within the field of coronary heart disease, focusing on its applications in early diagnosis, targeted drug delivery, imaging techniques, and treatment strategies. We explore the working principles of nanoultrasonography, its technological advantages, and the challenges faced in clinical applications. The aim is to provide guidance for future research and clinical practice in this promising area.

Endothelial γ-protocadherins inhibit KLF2 and KLF4 to promote atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Laminar shear stress from blood flow, sensed by vascular endothelial cells, protects from ASCVD by upregulating the transcription factors KLF2 and KLF4, which induces an anti-inflammatory program that promotes vascular resilience. Here we identify clustered γ-protocadherins as therapeutically targetable, potent KLF2 and KLF4 suppressors whose upregulation contributes to ASCVD. Mechanistic studies show that γ-protocadherin cleavage results in translocation of the conserved intracellular domain to the nucleus where it physically associates with and suppresses signaling by the Notch intracellular domain. γ-Protocadherins are elevated in human ASCVD endothelium; their genetic deletion or antibody blockade protects from ASCVD in mice without detectably compromising host defense against bacterial or viral infection. These results elucidate a fundamental mechanism of vascular inflammation and reveal a method to target the endothelium rather than the immune system as a protective strategy in ASCVD.

Impact of the MIF -173G/C variant on cardiovascular disease risk: a meta-analysis of 9,047 participants

Introduction

Many factors contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), an umbrella term for several different heart diseases, including inflammation. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important immune modulator that has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of different heart diseases, so understanding pathogenic variants of the MIF gene is important for risk stratification. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to investigate whether the MIF -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism is associated with CVD.

Methods

The PubMed, Science Direct, and Embase databases were searched from inception to June 2023 for case-control studies of the MIF -173G/C polymorphism and its relationship to any type of CVD. Correlations between the MIF -173G/C polymorphism and CVD were estimated by pooling the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals in allelic, dominant, and recessive models using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 9,047 participants (4141 CVD cases and 4906 healthy controls) from 11 relevant studies were included. In the total population, there was no significant association between the MIF -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism and the risk of developing CVD in the three different models. In a stratified analysis by ethnicity, the allelic model (C vs G) was significantly associated with CVD in the Arab and Asian populations (OR = 0.56, CI 0.42 -0.75 and OR = 1.28, CI 1.12 -1.46, respectively); the dominant model (CC+CG vs GG) was significantly associated with CVD in the Arab population (OR = 0.42, CI 0.30 -0.61); while the recessive model (GG+GC vs CC) was associated with CVD susceptibility in the Arab population (OR = 3.84, CI 1.57 -9.41). There were no significant associations between the MIF -173 G/C polymorphism and CVD risk in the European population. Conclusion, the MIF -173G/C polymorphism is associated with CVD in some populations.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, PROSPERO (CRD42023441139).

Gamma protocadherins in vascular endothelial cells inhibit Klf2/4 to promote atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide1. Laminar shear stress (LSS) from blood flow in straight regions of arteries protects against ASCVD by upregulating the Klf2/4 anti-inflammatory program in endothelial cells (ECs)2-8. Conversely, disturbed shear stress (DSS) at curves or branches predisposes these regions to plaque formation9,10. We previously reported a whole genome CRISPR knockout screen11 that identified novel inducers of Klf2/4. Here we report suppressors of Klf2/4 and characterize one candidate, protocadherin gamma A9 (Pcdhga9), a member of the clustered protocadherin gene family12. Pcdhg deletion increases Klf2/4 levels in vitro and in vivo and suppresses inflammatory activation of ECs. Pcdhg suppresses Klf2/4 by inhibiting the Notch pathway via physical interaction of cleaved Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD Val1744) with nuclear Pcdhg C-terminal constant domain (CCD). Pcdhg inhibition by EC knockout (KO) or blocking antibody protects from atherosclerosis. Pcdhg is elevated in the arteries of human atherosclerosis. This study identifies a novel fundamental mechanism of EC resilience and therapeutic target for treating inflammatory vascular disease.

Protocatechuic aldehyde increases pericyte coverage and mitigates pericyte damage to enhance the atherosclerotic plaque stability

Pericyte dysfunction and loss contribute substantially to the destabilization and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Protocatechuic aldehyde (PCAD), a natural polyphenol, exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects. However, the effects and mechanisms of this polyphenol on pericyte recruitment, coverage, and pericyte function remain unknown. We here treated apolipoprotein E-deficient mice having high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis with PCAD. PCAD achieved therapeutic effects similar to rosuvastatin in lowering lipid levels and thus preventing atherosclerosis progression. With PCAD administration, plaque phenotype exhibited higher stability with markedly reduced lesion vulnerability, which is characterized by reduced lipid content and macrophage accumulation, and a consequent increase in collagen deposition. PCAD therapy increased pericyte coverage in the plaques, reduced VEGF-A production, and inhibited intraplaque neovascularization. PCAD promoted pericyte proliferation, adhesion, and migration to mitigate ox-LDL-induced pericyte dysfunction, which thus maintained the capillary network structure and stability. Furthermore, TGFBR1 silencing partially reversed the protective effect exerted by PCAD on human microvascular pericytes. PCAD increased pericyte coverage and impeded ox-LDL-induced damages through TGF-β1/TGFBR1/Smad2/3 signaling. All these novel findings indicated that PCAD increases pericyte coverage and alleviates pericyte damage to improve the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, which is accomplished by regulating TGF-β1/TGFBR1/Smad2/3 signaling in pericytes.

Fractional Flow Reserve-Based Patient Risk Classification

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death. If not treated in a timely manner, cardiovascular diseases can cause a plethora of major life complications that can include disability and a loss of the ability to work. Globally, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is responsible for about 3 million deaths a year. The development of strategies for prevention, but also the early detection of cardiovascular risks, is of great importance. The fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a measurement used for an assessment of the severity of coronary artery stenosis. The goal of this research was to develop a technique that can be used for patient fractional flow reserve evaluation, as well as for the assessment of the risk of death via gathered demographic and clinical data. A classification ensemble model was built using the random forest machine learning algorithm for the purposes of risk prediction. Referent patient classes were identified by the observed fractional flow reserve value, where patients with an FFR higher than 0.8 were viewed as low risk, while those with an FFR lower than 0.8 were identified as high risk. The final classification ensemble achieved a 76.21% value of estimated prediction accuracy, thus achieving a mean prediction accuracy of 74.1%, 77.3%, 78.1% and 83.6% over the models tested with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the test samples, respectively. Along with the machine learning approach, a numerical approach was implemented through a 3D reconstruction of the coronary arteries for the purposes of stenosis monitoring. Even with a small number of available data points, the proposed methodology achieved satisfying results. However, these results can be improved in the future through the introduction of additional data, which will, in turn, allow for the utilization of different machine learning algorithms.

AT1R blocker prevents mental stress induced retrograde blood flow in overweight/obese men

The main goal was to determine the impact of mental stress (MS) on blood flow regulation in overweight/obese men. Fourteen overweight/obese men (27 ± 7 years; 29.8 ± 2.6 kg/m² ) participated in two randomized experimental sessions with oral administration of the AT1R blocker Olmesartan (40 mg; AT1RB) or placebo (PL). After 2 h, a 5-min acute MS session (Stroop Color Word Test) was administered. Blood flow was assessed at baseline and during the first 3 min of MS by vascular ultrasound in the brachial artery. Blood was collected before (baseline) and during mental stress (MS) for measurement of nitrite (chemiluminescence) and endothelin-1 (ELISA kit). The AT1R blocker was able to reverse the MS responses observed in the placebo session for retrograde flow (p < 0.01), retrograde SR (p < 0.01) and oscillatory shear index (p = 0.01). Regarding vasoactive substances, no differences were observed in ET-1 (p > 0.05) responses to MS between experimental sessions. However, for nitrite responses, the administration of the AT1R blocker was able to increase circulating levels of NO (p = 0.03) Blockade of AT1R appears to prevent the decrease in endothelial function by reducing low shear stress and maintaining the vasoactive substances balance after MS in overweight/obese men.

High-Risk Coronary Plaque Features: A Narrative Review

Advances in coronary plaque imaging over the last few decades have led to an increased interest in the identification of novel high-risk plaque features that are associated with cardiovascular events. Existing practices focus on risk stratification and lipid monitoring for primary and secondary prevention of cardiac events, which is limited by a lack of assessment and treatment of vulnerable plaque. In this review, we summarize the multitude of studies that have identified plaque, haemodynamic and patient factors associated with risk of acute coronary syndrome. Future progress in multi-modal imaging strategies and in our understanding of high-risk plaque features could expand treatment options for coronary disease and improve patient outcomes.

Senescence-induced inflammation: an important player and key therapeutic target in atherosclerosis

Inflammation is a hallmark and potent driver of pathological vascular remodelling in atherosclerosis. However, current anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies have shown mixed results. As an alternative perspective on the conundrum of chronic inflammation emerging evidence points towards a small subset of senescent cells as a critical player and central node driving atherosclerosis. Senescent cells belonging to various cell types are a dominant and chronic source of a large array of pro-inflammatory cytokines and various additional plaque destabilizing factors, being involved with various aspects of atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Antagonizing these key agitators of local chronic inflammation and plaque instability may provide a causative and multi-purpose therapeutic strategy to treat atherosclerosis. Anti-senescence treatment options with translational potential are currently in development. However, several questions and challenges remain to be addressed before these novel treatment approaches may enter the clinical setting.

Cardiovascular Imaging Techniques for Detection of Vulnerable Plaques

Various cardiovascular imaging techniques were developed for the detection of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, hoping to be able to predict a cardiovascular event. Plaque vulnerability results from compound pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to structural and morphological changes in lesions. The aim of this review is to present the most recent techniques for the assessment of vulnerable coronary plaques such as cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA), optical coherence tomography, or virtual histology intravascular ultra-sound, based on literature data from the last 3 years. CCTA permits direct visualization of the intravascular lumen, together with characterization of the arterial wall. Recent studies maintain that low-attenuation plaques, spotty calcifications, positive vessel remodeling, and the napkin-ring sign are considered main markers of plaque vulnerability and instability. Emerging analytical techniques, such as machine learning or radiomics, will probably demonstrate useful as an auxiliary diagnostic tool for vulnerable plaque detection. The data from the two imaging techniques together provide useful information, especially in patients undergoing a PCI procedure for an acute coronary syndrome. Invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques are able to deliver a large amount of scientific data to assess vulnerable coronary atheromatous plaques. Recent studies demonstrated that information defined by the two techniques is complementary, and using both methods is essential for adequate diagnosis, therapeutic strategy, and prognostic assessment.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Clinical Implications

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a substantial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and some other vascular diseases. ED has been demonstrated in patients with hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and in patients with atherosclerotic disease. Besides classical risk factors, ED is affected by chronic inflammatory diseases and acute infections, particularly viral diseases. Causes of ED include oxidative stress, inflammation, and shear stress, which decrease the bioavailability of nitric oxide. Markers of ED have been sought, particularly circulating markers. Using these tests, it is possible to evaluate the response to harmful effects of risk factors and the effects of treatment on vessel wall function. Endothelial dysfunction is significantly and directly correlated with the occurrence of cardiac events and the risk of cardiac events increase as ED worsens. Because endothelial function plays a central role in atherogenesis it became a therapeutic target. Endothelial dysfunction is reversible and its improvement may be achieved by elimination of risk factors, inhibitors of endothelium-derived contracting factors (angiotensin-converting enzyme), smoking cessation, lipid-lowering drugs, diet, and physical exercise. By reversing ED, it is possible to restore vascular function.

Noninvasive Imaging Biomarkers of Vulnerable Coronary Plaques – a Clinical Update

Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease, its most common manifestation and most severe consequence being coronary artery disease, one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The vast majority of cardiovascular deaths are caused by complications of atherosclerosis, most often being represented by the rupture of an unstable coronary plaque, regularly triggered by inflammation. A vulnerable plaque is characterized by a large, lipid-rich necrotic core, a thin fibrous cap with macrophage infiltration, and the presence of multiple specific biomarkers such as positive remodeling, irregular calcifications, and low attenuation visible with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Identifying biomarkers that could predict the risk of plaque rupture with high accuracy would be a significant advance in predicting acute cardiac events in asymptomatic patients, furthermore guiding treatment of patients with this disease. The main indication of noninvasive imaging is to identify patients at risk based on the presence or absence of symptoms that can be related to myocardial ischemia. The diagnostic objective is to confirm or to exclude the presence of coronary plaques. Coronary imaging in asymptomatic individuals is used to estimate the risk of future cardiac events through the identification of non-obstructive high-risk plaques. The possibility to monitor the evolution of vulnerable plaques via noninvasive imaging techniques, prior to the occurrence of an acute clinical event, is the main goal in plaque imaging. This manuscript will be focusing on recent advances of noninvasive imaging of vulnerable coronary plaques.

Disturbed flow induces a sustained, stochastic NF-κB activation which may support intracranial aneurysm growth in vivo

Intracranial aneurysms are associated with disturbed velocity patterns, and chronic inflammation, but the relevance for these findings are currently unknown. Here, we show that (disturbed) shear stress induced by vortices is a sufficient condition to activate the endothelial NF-kB pathway, possibly through a mechanism of mechanosensor de-activation. We provide evidence for this statement through in-vitro live cell imaging of NF-kB in HUVECs exposed to different flow conditions, stochastic modelling of flow induced NF-kB activation and induction of disturbed flow in mouse carotid arteries. Finally, CFD and immunofluorescence on human intracranial aneurysms showed a correlation similar to the mouse vessels, suggesting that disturbed shear stress may lead to sustained NF-kB activation thereby offering an explanation for the close association between disturbed flow and intracranial aneurysms.

Endothelial to mesenchymal transition in atherosclerotic vascular remodeling

Endothelial cells are the main components of the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels, which play an important role in regulating the physiological functions of the cardiovascular system. Endothelial dysfunction is involved in a variety of acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. As a special type of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), endothelium to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) regulates the transformation of endothelial cells into mesenchymal cells accompanied by changes in the expression of various transcription factors and cytokines, which is closely related to vascular endothelial injury, vascular remodeling, myocardial fibrosis and valvar disease. Endothelial cells undergoing EndMT lose their endothelial characteristics and undergo a transition toward a more mesenchymal-like phenotype. However, the molecular mechanism of EndMT remains unclear. EndMT, as a type of endothelial dysfunction, can cause vascular remodeling which is a major determinant of atherosclerotic luminal area. Therefore, exploring the important signaling pathways in the process of EndMT may provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating atherosclerotic diseases.

Inhibiting Integrin α5 Cytoplasmic Domain Signaling Reduces Atherosclerosis and Promotes Arteriogenesis

Background

Fibronectin in endothelial basement membranes promotes endothelial inflammatory activation and atherosclerosis but also promotes plaque stability and vascular remodeling. The fibronectin receptor α5 subunit is proinflammatory through binding to and activating phosphodiesterase 4D5, which inhibits anti‐inflammatory cyclic adenosine monophosphate and protein kinase A. Replacing the α5 cytoplasmic domain with that of α2 resulted in smaller atherosclerotic plaques. Here, we further assessed plaque phenotype and compensatory vascular remodeling in this model.

Methods and Results

α5/2 mice in the hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E null background had smaller plaques in the aortic root, with reduced endothelial NF‐κB activation and inflammatory gene expression, reduced leukocyte content, and much lower metalloproteinase expression. However, smooth muscle cell content, fibrous cap thickness, and fibrillar collagen were unchanged, indicating no shift toward vulnerability. In vivo knockdown of phosphodiesterase 4D5 also decreased endothelial inflammatory activation and atherosclerotic plaque size. α5/2 mice showed improved recovery from hindlimb ischemia after femoral artery ligation.

Conclusions

Blocking the fibronectin‐Integrin α5 pathway reduces atherosclerotic plaque size, maintains plaque stability, and improves compensatory remodeling. This pathway is therefore a potential therapeutic target for treatment of atherosclerosis.

CD80 Is Upregulated in a Mouse Model with Shear Stress-Induced Atherosclerosis and Allows for Evaluating CD80-Targeting PET Tracers

PURPOSE

A shear stress-induced atherosclerosis mouse model was characterized for its expression of inflammation markers with focus on CD80. With this model, we evaluated two positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers targeting CD80 as well as 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-mannose ([¹⁸F]FDM) in comparison with 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose ([¹⁸F]FDG).

PROCEDURE

A flow constrictive cuff implanted around the common carotid artery in apolipoprotein E knockout mice resulted in plaque formation. CD80 expression levels and plaque histopathology were evaluated. Serial PET/X-ray computed tomography scans were performed to follow inflammation.

RESULTS

Plaque formation with increased levels of CD80 was observed. Histologically, plaques presented macrophage-rich and large necrotic areas covered by a thin fibrous cap. Of the CD80-specific tracers, one displayed an increased uptake in plaques by PET. Both [¹⁸F]FDG and [¹⁸F]FDM accumulated in atherosclerotic plaques.

CONCLUSION

This mouse model presented, similar to humans, an increased expression of CD80 which renders it suitable for non-invasively targeting CD80-positive immune cells and evaluating CD80-specific radiotracers.

Decreased cathepsin K levels in human atherosclerotic plaques are associated with plaque instability

Investigating the determinants and dynamics of atherosclerotic plaque instability is a key area of current cardiovascular research. Extracellular matrix degradation from excessive proteolysis induced by enzymes such as cathepsin K (Cat K) is implicated in the pathogenesis of unstable plaques. The current study assessed the expression of Cat K in human unstable atherosclerotic plaques. Specimens of popliteal arteries with atherosclerotic plaques were classified as stable (<40% lipid core plaque area; n=6) or unstable (≥40% lipid core plaque area; n=14) based on histopathological examinations of hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. The expression of Cat K and cystatin C (Cys C) were assessed by immunohistochemical examination and levels of Cat K mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Morphological changes including a larger lipid core, endothelial proliferation with foam cells and destruction of internal elastic lamina were observed in unstable atherosclerotic plaques. In unstable plaques, the expression of Cat K protein and mRNA was upregulated, whereas Cys C protein expression was downregulated. The interplay between Cat K and Cys C may underlie the progression of plaques from stable to unstable and the current study indicated that Cat K and Cys C are potential targets for preventing and treating vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque ruptures.

Shear Stress in Autophagy and Its Possible Mechanisms in the Process of Atherosclerosis

Autophagy can eliminate harmful components and maintain cellular homeostasis in response to a series of extracellular insults in eukaryotes. More and more studies show that autophagy plays vital roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and shear stress acts as a key role in its process. Understanding the role of shear stress in autophagy may offer insight into atherosclerosis therapies, especially emerging targeted therapy. In this article, we retrospect related studies to summarize the present comprehension of the association between autophagy and atherosclerosis onset and progression.

Assessment of Coronary Plaque Vulnerability in Acute Coronary Syndromes using Optical Coherence Tomography and Intravascular Ultrasound. A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review was to analyze studies characterizing vulnerable coronary plaques using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), in order to identify the most efficient invasive technique permitting plaque characterization in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Method: A total number of 432 studies were identified, 420 through database searching and 12 through manual searching. Eight duplicate studies were removed, leaving a total number of 424 studies to be screened. Twenty-six studies only available in Abstract-only form were excluded, resulting in 398 studies checked for eligibility. Eleven studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic analysis. Plaque vulnerability was investigated in plaques with thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) versus those with thick cap fibroatheroma, in ruptured coronary plaques versus non-ruptured coronary plaques, in culprit versus non-culprit lesions and in lipid-rich versus non-lipid-rich plaques.

Results: A total of 1,568 coronary plaques in 1,225 patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who underwent both IVUS and OCT for analysis of plaque features were included in the final analysis. The review identified the following IVUS-derived features as significantly correlated with plaque vulnerability: plaque burden (p <0.001), remodeling index (p <0.001), external elastic membrane cross-sectional area (p <0.001), and the amount of necrotic core (p <0.001), while OCT-derived features characterizing unstable plaque were TCFA (p <0.001), lipid arch (p <0.001), accumulation of macrophages (p = 0.03), and presence of intracoronary thrombus (p <0.001).

Conclusion: Both IVUS and OCT are invasive imaging techniques able to provide relevant information on the vulnerability of coronary atheromatous plaques, identifying, as they do, various plaque features significantly associated with unstable plaques. Information provided by the two techniques is complementary, and both methods can serve as a useful clinical diagnostic tool, especially in cases of ACS patients undergoing a revascularization procedure.

High shear stress induces atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation through angiogenesis

Rupture of atherosclerotic plaques causing thrombosis is the main cause of acute coronary syndrome and ischemic strokes. Inhibition of thrombosis is one of the important tasks developing biomedical materials such as intravascular stents and vascular grafts. Shear stress (SS) influences the formation and development of atherosclerosis. The current review focuses on the vulnerable plaques observed in the high shear stress (HSS) regions, which localizes at the proximal region of the plaque intruding into the lumen. The vascular outward remodelling occurs in the HSS region for vascular compensation and that angiogenesis is a critical factor for HSS which induces atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation. These results greatly challenge the established belief that low shear stress is important for expansive remodelling, which provides a new perspective for preventing the transition of stable plaques to high-risk atherosclerotic lesions.

The Use of Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques and Vulnerable Patients. A Review

Acute coronary syndromes represent the most severe consequences of atherosclerosis, most often triggered by the rupture of a coronary plaque, which, for various reasons, has become unstable. In many cases, these rupture-prone vulnerable plaques are difficult to diagnose, because they do not always cause significant obstruction noticeable by coronary angiography. Therefore, new methods and tools for the identification of vulnerable plaques have been proposed, many of which are currently under study. Various biomarkers have been suggested as predictors of a vulnerable plaque, as well as indicators of an increased inflammatory status associated with higher patient susceptibility for plaque rupture. Integration of such biomarkers into multiple biomarker platforms has been suggested to identify superior diagnostic algorithms for the early detection of the high-risk condition associated with an unstable plaque. The aim of this review is to summarize recent research related to biomarkers used for the early detection of vulnerable plaques and vulnerable patients.

Prediction of atherosclerotic disease progression using LDL transport modelling: a serial computed tomographic coronary angiographic study

AIM

To investigate the efficacy of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transport simulation in reconstructed arteries derived from computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) to predict coronary segments that are prone to progress.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-two patients admitted with an acute coronary event who underwent 64-slice CTCA after percutaneous coronary intervention and at 3-year follow-up were included in the analysis. The CTCA data were used to reconstruct the coronary anatomy of the untreated vessels at baseline and follow-up, and LDL transport simulation was performed in the baseline models. The computed endothelial shear stress (ESS), LDL concentration, and CTCA-derived plaque characteristics were used to identify predictors of substantial disease progression (defined as an increase in the plaque burden at follow-up higher than two standard deviations of the intra-observer variability of the expert who performed the analysis). Fifty-eight vessels were analysed. High LDL concentration [odds ratio (OR): 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64-2.84; P = 0.0054], plaque burden (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.13-1.72; P = 0.0017), and plaque area (OR: 3.46; 95% CI: 2.20-5.44; P≤ 0.0001) were independent predictors of a substantial disease progression at follow-up. The ESS appears as a predictor of disease progression in univariate analysis but was not an independent predictor when the LDL concentration was entered into the multivariate model. The accuracy of the model that included the LDL concentration was higher than the accuracy of the model that included the ESS (65.1 vs. 62.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

LDL transport modelling appears a better predictor of atherosclerotic disease progression than the ESS, and combined with the atheroma characteristics provided by CTCA is able to detect with a moderate accuracy segments that will exhibit a significant plaque burden increase at mid-term follow-up.

Low High-Density Lipoprotein and Risk of Myocardial Infarction

Low HDL is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction. This paper reviews our current understanding of HDL, HDL structure and function, HDL subclasses, the relationship of low HDL with myocardial infarction, HDL targeted therapy, and clinical trials and studies. Furthermore potential new agents, such as alirocumab (praluent) and evolocumab (repatha) are discussed.

Vulnerable plaque imaging: updates on new pathobiological mechanisms

Early identification of vulnerable, rupture-prone atherosclerotic plaques with the optimal goal of cardiovascular event prevention is a field of vigorous research. Despite the advances in imaging modalities and the in vivo identification of many characteristics of vulnerability, few of these plaques actually rupture and even fewer lead to clinical events, questioning the predictive value of the above techniques in clinical practice. Factors causing the higher local vulnerability of the culprit plaque within a prothrombotic environment of widespread inflammation are generally unknown. Newly recognized local features, including microcalcifications and biomechanical factors, seem to contribute. In this review article, we target on new mechanisms, implicated in vulnerable plaque formation and rupture, analysing their potential clinical value.

Endothelial Dysfunction: Clinical Implications in Cardiovascular Disease and Therapeutic Approaches

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive vascular disease. It starts early in life, has a long asymptomatic phase, and a progression accelerated by various cardiovascular risk factors. The endothelium is an active inner layer of the blood vessel. It generates many factors that regulate vascular tone, the adhesion of circulating blood cells, smooth muscle proliferation, and inflammation, which are the key mechanisms of atherosclerosis and can contribute to the development of cardiovascular events. There is growing evidence that functional impairment of the endothelium is one of the first recognizable signs of development of atherosclerosis and is present long before the occurrence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Therefore, understanding the endothelium's central role provides not only insights into pathophysiology, but also a possible clinical opportunity to detect early disease, stratify cardiovascular risk, and assess response to treatments. In the present review, we will discuss the clinical implications of endothelial function as well as the therapeutic issues for endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular disease as primary and secondary endothelial therapy.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α in Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with deposition of excessive cholesterol in the arterial intima. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a nuclear receptor that can activate or inhibit the expression of many target genes by forming a heterodimer complex with the retinoid X receptor. Activation of PPARα plays an important role in the metabolism of multiple lipids, including high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, phospholipid, bile acids, and fatty acids. Increased PPARα activity also mitigates atherosclerosis by blocking macrophage foam cell formation, vascular inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, plaque instability, and thrombogenicity. Clinical use of synthetic PPARα agonist fibrate improved dyslipidemia and attenuated atherosclerosis-related disease risk. This review summarizes PPARα in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis, and also highlights its potential therapeutic benefits.