Endothelial cell activation is attenuated by everolimus via transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms after drug-eluting coronary stenting

Ponatinib Induces a Procoagulant Phenotype in Human Coronary Endothelial Cells via Inducing Apoptosis

BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective drugs in the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. However, based on clinical studies, ponatinib was associated with the development of thrombotic complications. Since endothelial cells (ECs) regulate blood coagulation, their abnormal phenotype may play a role in the development of thrombotic events. We here aimed to investigate the effect of ponatinib on the procoagulant activity of cultured endothelial cells in vitro. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were incubated with 50, 150, and 1000 nM of ponatinib. Subsequently, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) were measured by flow cytometry. In addition, EC- and EMV-dependent thrombin generation was analyzed. To investigate pro-apoptotic effects of ponatinib, the level of Bax and Bcl-xL proteins were studied using Western blot and F3, THBD, and VCAM1 mRNAs were quantified by qPCR. Therapeutic concentrations of ponatinib significantly increased PS expression on ECs and the amount of EMVs which significantly shortened the time parameters of thrombin generation. In addition, these changes were associated with an increased ratio of Bax and Bcl-xL proteins in the presence of the decreased THBD mRNA level. Overall, ponatinib enhances the procoagulant activity of ECs via inducing apoptosis, which may contribute to thrombotic events.

Gelatin microgel-coated balloon catheter with enhanced delivery of everolimus for long-term vascular patency

In-stent restenosis (ISR) after percutaneous coronary intervention is a major reason for limited long-term patency due to complex neointimal proliferation caused by vascular injury. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) has been developed to treat various cardiovascular diseases including ISR by providing anti-proliferative drugs into blood vessel tissues. However, a significant proportion of the drug is lost during balloon tracking, resulting in ineffective drug delivery to the target region. In this study, we report an everolimus-coated balloon (ECB) using everolimus-loaded gelatin-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid microgel (GM) with enhanced everolimus delivery to vascular walls for long-term patency. GM with high drug loading (> 97%) was simply prepared by homogenizing enzyme-mediated crosslinked hydrogels. The optimal condition to prepare GM-coated ECB (GM-ECB) was established by changing homogenization time and ethanol solvent concentration (30 ∼ 80%). In vitro sustained everolimus release for 30 d, and cellular efficacy using smooth muscle cells and vascular endothelial cells were evaluated. Additionally, an in vivo drug transfer levels of GM-ECB using rabbit femoral arteries were assessed with reduced drug loss and efficient drug delivery capability. Finally, using ISR-induced porcine models, effective in vivo vascular patency 4 weeks after treatment of ECBs was also confirmed. Thus, this study strongly demonstrates that GM can be used as a potential drug delivery platform for DCB application. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We report an ECB using everolimus-loaded GM prepared by homogenization of enzymatic cross-linked hydrogel. GM showed efficient drug loading (> 97 %) and controllable size. GM-ECB exhibited potential to deliver everolimus in a sustained manner to target area with drug efficacy and viability against SMC and EC. Although GM-ECB had much lower drug content compared to controls, animal study demonstrated enhanced drug transfer and reduced drug loss of GM-ECB due to the protection of encapsulated drugs by GM, and the possible interaction between GM and endothelium. Finally, vascular patency and safety were assessed using ISR-induced porcine models. We suggest an advanced DCB strategy to alleviate rapid drug clearance by bloodstream while improving drug delivery for a long-term vascular patency.

B, Kappelmayer J, Kőszegi Z, Csanádi Z, Szük T. Technically Challenging Percutaneous Interventions of Chronic Total Occlusions Are Associated with Enhanced Platelet Activation

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a frequently performed treatment option for recanalization in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). As CTO-PCIs are often complicated and challenging for interventionalists, the stressful and damaging nature of the procedure can be remarkable, thus platelets can be easily activated. Our aim was to investigate the effect of CTO-PCI on platelet activation and the expression of selected circulating microRNAs (miR) of platelet and endothelium origin after CTO-PCI. In this study, 50 subjects after CTO-PCI were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained before PCI, at 2 days and 3-6 months after the procedure to measure the degree of platelet activation and the level of plasma miR-223, miR-181b, and miR-126. Patients were divided based on the characteristics of the intervention. Patients with higher Japanese CTO scores and longer duration of PCI showed significantly elevated platelet P-selectin positivity (p = 0.004 and p = 0.013, respectively) 2 days after the procedure compared to pre-PCI and increased concentration of soluble P-selectin 3-6 months after the intervention (higher Japanese CTO score: p = 0.028 and longer duration of PCI: p = 0.023) compared to baseline values. Shorter total stent length caused a significantly lower miR-181b expression at 3-6 months after the intervention (p = 0.031), while no difference was observed in miR-223 and miR-126. One stent thrombosis occurred during the follow-up period. Although these technically challenging CTO-PCIs may cause enhanced platelet activation right after the intervention and long-term endothelial cell dysfunction, these interventions are not associated with more adverse clinical events.

Shikonin Causes an Apoptotic Effect on Human Kidney Cancer Cells through Ras/MAPK and PI3K/AKT Pathways

(1) Background: Shikonin, the main ingredient in Chinese herbal medicine, is described as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, and its anticancer effects have already been studied. Shikonin and its derivatives induce apoptosis and suppress metastasis, which further enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. However, their mechanism of function has not been completely elucidated on human renal cancer cells. (2) Methods: In our study, CAKI-2 and A-498 cells were treated with increasing concentrations (2.5-40 µM) of shikonin, when colony formation ability and cytotoxic activity were tested. The changes in the expression of the main targets of apoptotic pathways were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The intracellular levels of miR-21 and miR-155 were quantified by RT-qPCR. (3) Results: Shikonin exerted a dose-dependent effect on the proliferation of the cell lines examined. In 5 µM concentration of shikonin in vitro elevated caspase-3 and -7 levels, the proteins of the Ras/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways were activated. However, no significant changes were detected in the miR-21 and miR-155 expressions. (4) Conclusions: Our findings indicated that shikonin causes apoptosis of renal cancer cells by activating the Ras/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. These effects of shikonin on renal cancer cells may bear important potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of renal cancer.

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 system expression in human coronary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells under dynamic flow: effect of medicated bioresorbable vascular scaffolds at low and normal shear stress

Endothelial and smooth muscle cell dysfunction is an early event at the onset of atherosclerosis, a heterogeneous and multifactorial pathology of the vascular wall. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4, a mechanosensitive autocrine cytokine, and BMPR-1a, BMPR-1b, BMPR-2 specific receptors play a key role in atherosclerotic plaque formation and vascular calcification and BMP4 is regarded as a biomarker of endothelial cell activation. The study aimed to examine the BMP4 system expression by Real-Time PCR in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial (HCAECs) and Smooth Muscle Cells (HCASMCs) under different flow rates determining low or physiological shear stress in the presence/absence of medicated Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS). The HCAEC and HCASMC were subjected to 1-10-20 dyne/cm² shear stress in a laminar flow bioreactor system, with/without BVS+ Everolimus (600 nM). In HCAECs without BVS the BMP4 expression was similar at 1, 20 dyne/cm² decreasing at 10 dyne/cm², while adding BVS+ Everolimus, it decreased both at 1, 10 compared to 20 dyne/cm². In HCASMCs without BVS + Everolimus, the BMP4 system mRNA expression was significantly reduced at 1, 10 dyne/cm² compared to 20 dyne/cm², while in the presence of BVS+ Everolimus, higher BMP4 mRNA levels were observed at 10 compared to 1, 20 dyne/cm². In HCAECs and HCASMCs BMPRs were expressed in all experimental conditions except for BMPR-1a at 1 dyne/cm² in HCAEC. Significant correlations were found between BMP4 and BMPRs. The more negligible on BMP4 expression due to low shear stress in HCAEC compared to HCASMC and its reduction in the presence of BVS+ Everolimus at low shear stress highlighted the protection of BMP4-mediated against endothelial dysfunction and neoatherogenesis.

Autophagy at the interface of endothelial cell homeostasis and vascular disease

Autophagy is an essential intracellular process for cellular quality control. It enables cell homeostasis through the selective degradation of harmful protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Autophagy is essential for recycling nutrients, generating energy to maintain cell viability in most tissues and during adverse conditions such as hypoxia/ischaemia. The progressive understanding of the mechanisms modulating autophagy in the vasculature has recently led numerous studies to link intact autophagic responses with endothelial cell (EC) homeostasis and function. Preserved autophagic flux within the ECs has an essential role in maintaining their physiological characteristics, whereas defective autophagy can promote endothelial pro-inflammatory and atherogenic phenotype. However, we still lack a good knowledge of the complete molecular repertoire controlling various aspects of endothelial autophagy and how this is associated with vascular diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of the art of autophagy in ECs. We review the discoveries that have so far defined autophagy as an essential mechanism in vascular biology and analyse how autophagy influences ECs behaviour in vascular disease. Finally, we emphasise opportunities for compounds to regulate autophagy in ECs and discuss the challenges of exploiting them to resolve vascular disease.

The effect of TNF-α inhibitor treatment on microRNAs and endothelial function in collagen induced arthritis

Chronic inflammation causes dysregulated expression of microRNAs. Aberrant microRNA expression is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In this study we determined whether TNF-α inhibition impacted the expression of miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-155-5p, and whether changes in the expression of these miRNAs were related to inflammation-induced changes in endothelial function in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (n = 24), CIA (n = 24) and CIA+etanercept (n = 16) groups. CIA and CIA+etanercept groups were immunized with bovine type-II collagen, emulsified in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant. Upon signs of arthritis, the CIA+etanercept group received 10mg/kg of etanercept intraperitoneally, every three days. After six weeks of treatment, mesenteric artery vascular reactivity was assessed using wire-myography. Serum concentrations of TNF-α, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) were measured by ELISA. Relative expression of circulating miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-155-5p were determined using RT-qPCR. Compared to controls, circulating miRNA-155-5p, VCAM-1 and PTX-3 concentrations were increased, and vessel relaxation was impaired in the CIA (all p<0.05), but not in the CIA+etanercept (all p<0.05) groups. The CIA group had greater miRNA-146a-5p expression compared to the CIA+etanercept group (p = 0.005). Independent of blood pressure, miRNA-146a-5p expression was associated with increased PTX-3 concentrations (p = 0.03), while miRNA-155-5p expression was associated with impaired vessel relaxation (p = 0.01). In conclusion, blocking circulating TNF-α impacted systemic inflammation-induced increased expression of miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-155-5p, which were associated with endothelial inflammation and impaired endothelial dependent vasorelaxation, respectively.

Non-Transferrin-Bound Iron in the Spotlight: Novel Mechanistic Insights into the Vasculotoxic and Atherosclerotic Effect of Iron

Significance: While atherosclerosis is an almost inevitable consequence of aging, food preferences, lack of exercise, and other aspects of the lifestyle in many countries, the identification of new risk factors is of increasing importance to tackle a disease, which has become a major health burden for billions of people. Iron has long been suspected to promote the development of atherosclerosis, but data have been conflicting, and the contribution of iron is still debated controversially. Recent Advances: Several experimental and clinical studies have been recently published about this longstanding controversial problem, highlighting the critical need to unravel the complexity behind this topic. Critical Issues: The aim of the current review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the proatherosclerotic impact of iron, and discuss the emerging role of non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) as driver of vasculotoxicity and atherosclerosis. Finally, I will provide detailed mechanistic insights on the cellular processes and molecular pathways underlying iron-exacerbated atherosclerosis. Overall, this review highlights a complex framework where NTBI acts at multiple levels in atherosclerosis by altering the serum and vascular microenvironment in a proatherogenic and proinflammatory manner, affecting the functionality and survival of vascular cells, promoting foam cell formation and inducing angiogenesis, calcification, and plaque destabilization. Future Directions: The use of additional iron markers (e.g., NTBI) may help adequately predict predisposition to cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies are needed in the aging population to address the atherogenic role of iron fluctuations within physiological limits and the therapeutic value of iron restriction approaches. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 387-414.

Preterm Intraventricular Hemorrhage-Induced Inflammatory Response in Human Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cells

Following an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), red blood cell lysis and hemoglobin (Hb) oxidation with the release of heme can cause sterile neuroinflammation. In this study, we measured Hb derivates and cellular adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 with cell-free miRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained from Grade-III and Grade-IV preterm IVH infants (IVH-III and IVH-IV, respectively) at multiple time points between days 0–60 after the onset of IVH. Furthermore, human choroid plexus epithelial cells (HCPEpiCs) were incubated with IVH and non-IVH CSF (10 v/v %) for 24 h in vitro to investigate the IVH-induced inflammatory response that was investigated via: (i) HMOX1, IL8, VCAM1, and ICAM1 mRNAs as well as miR-155, miR-223, and miR-181b levels by RT-qPCR; (ii) nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit by fluorescence microscopy; and (iii) reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement. We found a time-dependent alteration of heme, IL-8, and adhesion molecules which revealed a prolonged elevation in IVH-IV vs. IVH-III with higher miR-155 and miR-181b expression at days 41–60. Exposure of HCPEpiCs to IVH CSF samples induced HMOX1, IL8, and ICAM1 mRNA levels along with increased ROS production via the NF-κB pathway activation but without cell death, as confirmed by the cell viability assay. Additionally, the enhanced intracellular miR-155 level was accompanied by lower miR-223 and miR-181b expression in HCPEpiCs after CSF treatment. Overall, choroid plexus epithelial cells exhibit an abnormal cell phenotype after interaction with pro-inflammatory CSF of IVH origin which may contribute to the development of later clinical complications in preterm IVH.

Modulated molecular markers of restenosis and thrombosis byin-vitrovascular cells exposed to bioresorbable scaffolds

Drug-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) have emerged as a potential breakthrough for the treatment of coronary artery stenosis, providing mechanical support and drug delivery followed by complete resorption. Restenosis and thrombosis remain the primary limitations in clinical use. The study aimed to identify potential markers of restenosis and thrombosis analyzing the vascular wall cell transcriptomic profile modulation triggered by BVS at different values of shear stress (SS). Human coronary artery endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were cultured under SS (1 and 20 dyne cm^-2) for 6 h without and with application of BVS and everolimus 600 nM. Cell RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analysis identified modulated genes by direct comparison of SS conditions and Gene Ontology (GO). The results of different experimental conditions and GO analysis highlighted the modulation of specific genes as semaphorin 3E, mesenchyme homeobox 2, bone morphogenetic protein 4, (heme oxygenase 1) and selectin E, with different roles in pathological evolution of disease. Transcriptomic analysis of dynamic vascular cell cultures identifies candidate genes related to pro-restenotic and pro-thrombotic mechanisms in anin-vitrosetting of BVS, which are not adequately contrasted by everolimus addition.

Platelet Microparticles Enriched in miR-223 Reduce ICAM-1-Dependent Vascular Inflammation in Septic Conditions

In the process of sepsis, activated platelets shed microvesicles containing microRNAs (miRNAs), which can be internalized by distinct recipient cells in circulation, consequently eliciting a potent capability to regulate their cellular functions in different diseases. In the present study, activated human platelets transferring miR-223 into endothelial cells via platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) was investigated in vitro during septic conditions with a proposed mechanism involving in downregulation of the enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The uptake of PMPs encasing miR-223 and the adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were observed by immunofluorescence microscopy upon co-culture with PMPs isolated from sepsis or control plasma. The expression of miR-223-3p and its gene target ICAM1 in HCAECs were quantified by RT-qPCR and ELISA after the cells were incubated with septic or control PMPs, whose levels were induced with thrombin-receptor activating peptide (TRAP). Leukocyte-depleted platelets (LDPs) from septic patients showed a decreased miR-223 level, while septic plasma and PMPs revealed an elevated miRNA level compared to control samples. Similarly, TRAP-activated LDPs demonstrated a reduced intracellular miR-223 expression, while increased levels in the supernatant and PMP isolates were observed vs. untreated samples. Furthermore, TNF-α alone resulted in decreased miR-223 and elevated ICAM1 levels in HCAECs, while PMPs raised the miRNA level that was associated with downregulated ICAM1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels under TNF-α treatment. Importantly, miR-223 was turned out not to be newly synthesized as shown in unchanged pre-miR-223 level, and mature miR-223 expression was also elevated in the presence of PMPs in HCAECs after transfection with Dicer1 siRNA. In addition, septic PMPs containing miR-223 decreased ICAM1 with a reduction of PBMC binding to HCAECs. In conclusion, septic platelets released PMPs carrying functional miR-223 lower ICAM1 expression in endothelial cells, which may be a protective role against excessive sepsis-induced vascular inflammation.

Enhanced Expression of Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) Reflecting Pro-Inflammatory Status Is Regulated by CFTR in Cystic Fibrosis Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Decreased human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) plasma levels were reported in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients under CFTR potentiator ivacaftor therapy, which inversely correlated with lung function improvement. In this study, we investigated whether HE4 expression was affected via modulation of CFTR function in CF bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cells in vitro. HE4 protein levels were measured in the supernatants of CFBE 41o⁻ cells expressing F508del-CFTR or wild-type CFTR (wt-CFTR) after administration of lumacaftor/ivacaftor or tezacaftor/ivacaftor, while HE4 expression in CFBE 41o⁻ cells were also analyzed following application of adenylate cyclase activators Forskolin/IBMX or CFTR_inh172. The effect of all of these compounds on CFTR function was monitored by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Induced HE4 expression was studied with interleukin-6 (IL-6) in F508del-CFTR CFBE 41o⁻ cells under TNF-α stimulation for 1 h up to 1 week in duration. In parallel, plasma HE4 was determined in CF subjects homozygous for p.Phe508del-CFTR mutation receiving lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi^®) therapy. NF-κB-mediated signaling was observed via the nuclear translocation of p65 subunit by fluorescence microscopy together with the analysis of IL-6 expression by an immunoassay. In addition, HE4 expression was examined after NF-κB pathway inhibitor BAY 11-7082 treatment with or without CFTR modulators. CFTR modulators partially restored the activity of F508del-CFTR and reduced HE4 concentration was found in F508del-CFTR CFBE 41o⁻ cells that was close to what we observed in CFBE 41o⁻ cells with wt-CFTR. These data were in agreement with decreased plasma HE4 concentrations in CF patients treated with Orkambi^®. Furthermore, CFTR inhibitor induced elevated HE4 levels, while CFTR activator Forskolin/IBMX downregulated HE4 in the cell cultures and these effects were more pronounced in the presence of CFTR modulators. Higher activation level of baseline and TNF-α stimulated NF-κB pathway was detected in F508del-CFTR vs. wt-CFTR CFBE 41o⁻ cells that was substantially reduced by CFTR modulators based on lower p65 nuclear positivity and IL-6 levels. Finally, HE4 expression was upregulated by TNF-α with elevated IL-6, and both protein levels were suppressed by combined administration of NF-κB pathway inhibitor and CFTR modulators in CFBE 41o⁻ cells. In conclusion, CFTR dysfunction contributes to abnormal HE4 expression via NF-κB in CF.

Oxidative Stress in Ischemic Heart Disease

One of the novel interesting topics in the study of cardiovascular disease is the role of the oxidation system, since inflammation and oxidative stress are known to lead to cardiovascular diseases, their progression and complications. During decades of research, many complex interactions between agents of oxidative stress, oxidation, and antioxidant systems have been elucidated, and numerous important pathophysiological links to na number of disorders and diseases have been established. This review article will present the most relevant knowledge linking oxidative stress to vascular dysfunction and disease. The review will focus on the role of oxidative stress in endotheleial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and other pathogenetic processes and mechanisms that contribute to the development of ischemic heart disease.

Preventing treatment failures in coronary artery disease: what can we learn from the biology of in-stent restenosis, vein graft failure, and internal thoracic arteries?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the availability of percutaneous or surgical revascularization procedures significantly improves survival. However, both strategies are daunted by complications which limit long-term effectiveness. In-stent restenosis (ISR) is a major drawback for intracoronary stenting, while graft failure is the limiting factor for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), especially using veins. Conversely, internal thoracic artery (ITA) is known to maintain long-term patency in CABG. Understanding the biology and pathophysiology of ISR and vein graft failure (VGF) and mechanisms behind ITA resistance to failure is crucial to combat these complications in CAD treatment. This review intends to provide an overview of the biological mechanisms underlying stent and VGF and of the potential therapeutic strategy to prevent these complications. Interestingly, despite being different modalities of revascularization, mechanisms of failure of stent and saphenous vein grafts are very similar from the biological standpoint.

Elevated Pro-Inflammatory Cell-Free MicroRNA Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Premature Infants after Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) represents a high risk of neonatal mortality and later neurodevelopmental impairment in prematurity. IVH is accompanied with inflammation, hemolysis, and extracellular hemoglobin (Hb) oxidation. However, microRNA (miRNA) expression in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of preterm infants with IVH has been unknown. Therefore, in the present study, candidate pro-inflammatory cell-free miRNAs were analyzed in CSF samples from 47 preterm infants with grade III or IV IVH vs. clinical controls (n = 14). miRNAs were quantified by RT-qPCR, normalized to “spike-in” cel-miR-39. Oxidized Hb and total heme levels were determined by spectrophotometry as well as IL-8, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin concentrations by ELISA. To reveal the origin of the investigated miRNAs, controlled hemolysis experiments were performed in vitro; in addition, human choroid plexus epithelial cell (HCPEpiC) cultures were treated with metHb, ferrylHb, heme, or TNF-α to replicate IVH-triggered cellular conditions. Levels of miR-223, miR-155, miR-181b, and miR-126 as well as Hb metabolites along with IL-8 were elevated in CSF after the onset of IVH vs. controls. Significant correlations were observed among the miRNAs, oxidized Hb forms, and the soluble adhesion molecules. During the post-IVH follow-up, attenuated expression of miRNAs and protein biomarkers in CSF was observed upon elimination of Hb metabolites. These miRNAs remained unaffected by a series of artificially induced hemolysis, which excluded red blood cells as their origin, while stimulation of HCPEpiCs with oxidized Hb fractions and heme resulted in increased extracellular miRNA levels in the cell culture supernatant. Overall, the hemorrhage-induced CSF miRNAs reflected inflammatory conditions as potential biomarkers in preterm IVH.

Data-Independent Acquisition-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Protective Effect of Apigenin on Palmitate-Induced Lipotoxicity in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells

The ingestion of excessive free fatty acid could induce lipotoxicity in tissues and then lead to the initiation of many metabolism diseases. In this work, the protective effect of apigenin on palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) was investigated. Compared with 150 μM palmitate treatment alone, pretreatment with 10 μM apigenin for 6 h significantly increased the cell viability from 71.55 ± 3.62 to 91.06 ± 4.30% and improved mitochondrial membrane potential to the normal level (101.62 ± 11.72% of control). In addition, the production of nitric oxide was markedly elevated by apigenin cotreatment from 7.10 ± 3.95 to 94.20 ± 21.86%. The data-independent acquisition-based proteomic approach was used to study the protective mechanism, and the results revealed that 242 proteins were differently expressed in cells treated with palmitate and 93 proteins were reversed after apigenin supplementation. Apigenin realized its protective function mainly via regulating pathways such as IL-17, TNF, Fox O, cell adhesion, and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing. Collectively, these data demonstrated that apigenin supplement may serve as an alternative nutritional intervention to protect HAEC against lipotoxicity.

MicroRNAs in cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the predominant cause of human morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Currently, microRNAs have been investigated in many diseases as well-promising biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring. Plenty studies have been designed so as to elucidate the properties of microRNAs in the classification and risk stratification of patients with CVD and also to evaluate their potentials in individualized management and guide treatment decisions. Therefore, in this review article, we aimed to present the most recent data concerning the role of microRNAs as potential novel biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.

Reduced miR-26b Expression in Megakaryocytes and Platelets Contributes to Elevated Level of Platelet Activation Status in Sepsis

In sepsis, platelets may become activated via toll-like receptors (TLRs), causing microvascular thrombosis. Megakaryocytes (MKs) also express these receptors; thus, severe infection may modulate thrombopoiesis. To explore the relevance of altered miRNAs in platelet activation upon sepsis, we first investigated sepsis-induced miRNA expression in platelets of septic patients. The effect of abnormal Dicer level on miRNA expression was also evaluated. miRNAs were profiled in septic vs. normal platelets using TaqMan Open Array. We validated platelet miR-26b with its target SELP (P-selectin) mRNA levels and correlated them with clinical outcomes. The impact of sepsis on MK transcriptome was analyzed in MEG-01 cells after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment by RNA-seq. Sepsis-reduced miR-26b was further studied using Dicer1 siRNA and calpain inhibition in MEG-01 cells. Out of 390 platelet miRNAs detected, there were 121 significantly decreased, and 61 upregulated in sepsis vs. controls. Septic platelets showed attenuated miR-26b, which were associated with disease severity and mortality. SELP mRNA level was elevated in sepsis, especially in platelets with increased mean platelet volume, causing higher P-selectin expression. Downregulation of Dicer1 generated lower miR-26b with higher SELP mRNA, while calpeptin restored miR-26b in MEG-01 cells. In conclusion, decreased miR-26b in MKs and platelets contributes to an increased level of platelet activation status in sepsis.

Circulating microRNAs as possible biomarkers for coronary artery disease: a narrative review

Coronary artery disease is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in the world. Involvement of microRNAs on the pathogenesis of this disease was reported either in beneficial or detrimental way. Different studies have also speculated that circulating microRNAs can be applied as promising biomarkers for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Particularly, microRNA-133a seems to fulfill the criteria of ideal biomarkers due to its role in the diagnosis, severity assessment and in prognosis. The panel of circulating microRNAs has also improved the predictive power of coronary artery disease compared to single microRNAs. In this review, the role of circulating microRNAs for early detection, severity assessment and prognosis of coronary artery disease were reviewed.