Senescent HUVECs-secreted exosomes trigger endothelial barrier dysfunction in young endothelial cells

Cell-based regenerative and rejuvenation strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease are age-related disorders which severely impact quality of life and impose significant societal burdens. Cellular senescence is a critical factor in these disorders, contributing to their onset and progression by promoting permanent cell cycle arrest and reducing cellular function, affecting various types of cells in brain. Recent advancements in regenerative medicine have highlighted "R3" strategies-rejuvenation, regeneration, and replacement-as promising therapeutic approaches for neurodegeneration. This review aims to critically analyze the role of cellular senescence in neurodegenerative diseases and organizes therapeutic approaches within the R3 regenerative medicine paradigm. Specifically, we examine stem cell therapy, direct lineage reprogramming, and partial reprogramming in the context of R3, emphasizing how these interventions mitigate cellular senescence and counteracting aging-related neurodegeneration. Ultimately, this review seeks to provide insights into the complex interplay between cellular senescence and neurodegeneration while highlighting the promise of cell-based regenerative strategies to address these debilitating conditions.

MicroRNA‑21‑5p expression in extracellular vesicles is increased in the blood of aging mice and in vascular endothelial cells induced by ionizing radiation

In recent years, the Japanese population has been aging and the risk of contracting various age-related diseases has increased. Thus, there is a need to analyze components that are characteristic of aging and examine their association with diseases to detect age-related diseases at an early stage. In the present study, microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) of 82-102-week-old mice were analyzed to identify miRNAs characteristic of aging. Increased expression of mmu-miR-21a-5p was observed. These miRNAs may be derived from senescent vascular endothelial cells, and RNA-sequencing data (GSE130727) of HUVECs induced to senesce by 4 Gy of radiation revealed that the miRNAs were involved in the cell cycle and DNA repair. Annotations to senescence-related pathways were also identified. Reduced expression of the miR-21-5p target gene, which has an identical sequence in humans and mice, was confirmed. In HUVECs induced to age under similar conditions, increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and increased intracellular miR-21-5p expression were observed. A portion of the miR-21-5p was secreted extracellularly by internalizing tetraspanin-positive EVs, and miR-21-5p was secreted into the extracellular space. The present study also demonstrated that miR-21-5p expression was upregulated and extracellular secretion of miR-21-5p was enhanced during vascular endothelial cell senescence. These findings suggested that increased serum miR-21-5p represents a biomarker for vascular endothelial cell senescence.

Extracellular Vesicles as Mediators of Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Diseases

This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough overview of the vital role that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play in endothelial dysfunction, particularly emphasizing how physiological factors-such as sex and aging-along with significant cardiovascular risk factors, influence this process. The review covers studies ranging from the first description of EVs in 1945 to contemporary insights into their biological roles in intercellular signaling and endothelial dysfunction. A comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles and reviews indexed in the PubMed database was conducted to compile the information. Initially, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms included keywords aimed at providing general knowledge about the role of EVs in the regulation of endothelial signaling, such as "extracellular vesicles", "endothelium", and "intercellular signaling". Subsequently, terms related to the pathophysiological implications of EV interactions with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease were added, including "cardiovascular disease", "sex", "aging", "atherosclerosis", "obesity", and "diabetes". Additionally, the potential applications of EVs in cardiovascular disease were explored using the MeSH terms "extracellular vesicles", "cardiovascular disease", "biomarker", and "therapeutic strategy". The results of this bibliographical review reveal that EVs have the capacity to induce various cellular responses within the cardiovascular system and play a significant role in the complex landscape of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. The composition of the EV cargo is subject to modification by pathophysiological conditions such as sex, aging, and cardiovascular risk factors, which result in a complex regulatory influence on endothelial function and neighboring cells when released from a dysfunctional endothelium. Moreover, the data suggest that this field still requires further exploration, as EV biology is continuously evolving, presenting a dynamic and engaging area for research. A deeper understanding of the molecular cargo involved in EV-endothelium interactions could yield valuable biomarkers for monitoring cardiovascular disease progression and facilitate the development of innovative bioengineered therapeutic strategies to enhance patient outcomes.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) modulates senescent endothelial cell-monocyte communication in age-related vascular inflammation

Aging significantly affects intercellular communication between vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and hematopoietic cells, leading to vascular inflammation and age-associated diseases. This study determined how senescent ECs communicate with monocytes, whether extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from senescent ECs affect monocyte functions, and investigated the potential for epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a flavonoid in green tea, to reverse these effects. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with Etoposide (10 µM, 24 h) to induce senescence, followed by EGCG (100 µM, 24 h) treatment to evaluate its potential as a senotherapeutic agent. The interaction between ECs and monocytes was analyzed using a co-culture system and direct treatment of monocytes with EC-derived EVs. EGCG reduced senescence-associated phenotypes in ECs, as evidenced by decreased senescence-associated (SA)-β-Gal activity and reversal of Etoposide-induced senescence markers. Monocytes co-cultured with EGCG-treated senescent ECs showed decreased pro-inflammatory responses compared to those co-cultured with untreated senescent ECs. Additionally, senescent ECs produced more EVs than non-senescent ECs. EVs from senescent ECs enhanced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory activation of monocytes, whereas EVs from EGCG-treated senescent ECs mitigated this activation, maintaining monocyte activation at normal levels. Our findings reveal that EGCG confers anti-senescent effects via modulation of the senescent EC secretome (including EVs) with the capacity to modify monocyte activation. These findings suggest that EGCG could act as a senotherapeutic agent to reduce vascular inflammation related to aging.

Endothelial Cell Senescence Effect on the Blood-Brain Barrier in Stroke and Cognitive Impairment

Age is an important risk factor of stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia. Senescent endothelial cells (ECs) accumulate with advancing age through exposure to cellular stress, such as that exerted by hypertension and diabetes. These senescent ECs have altered characteristics, such as altered tight junction proteins, use of a more indiscriminate transcellular transport system, increased inflammation, and increased immune cell interactions. ECs are the main component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), separating the brain from systemic circulation. As senescent ECs accumulate in the BBB, their altered functioning results in the disruption of the barrier. They have inadequate barrier-forming properties, disrupted extracellular matrix, and increased transcytosis, resulting in an overly permeable barrier. This disruption of the BBB can have important effects in stroke and cognitive impairment, as presented in this review. Besides increasing the permeability of the BBB, senescent ECs can also impair angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, which in ischemic stroke may increase risk of hemorrhagic transformation and worsen outcomes. Senescent ECs may also contribute to microvascular dysfunction, with disruption of cerebral perfusion and autoregulation. These may contribute to vascular cognitive impairment along with increased permeability. With an aging population, there is growing interest in targeting senescence. Several ongoing trials have been evaluating whether senolytics can slow aging, improve vascular health, and reduce the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.

Endothelial cells-derived exosomes-based hydrogel improved tendinous repair via anti-inflammatory and tissue regeneration-promoting properties

Tendon injuries are common orthopedic ailments with a challenging healing trajectory, especially in cases like the Achilles tendon afflictions. The healing trajectory of tendon injuries is often suboptimal, leading to scar formation and functional impairment due to the inherent low metabolic activity and vascularization of tendon tissue. As pressing is needed for effective interventions, efforts are made to explore biomaterials to augment tendon healing. However, tissue engineering approaches face hurdles in optimizing tissue scaffolds and nanomedical strategies. To navigate these challenges, an injectable hydrogel amalgamated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells-derived exosomes (HUVECs-Exos) was prepared and named H-Exos-gel in this study, aiming to enhance tendon repair. In our research involving a model of Achilles tendon injuries in 60 rats, we investigated the efficacy of H-Exos-gel through histological assessments performed at 2 and 4 weeks and behavioral assessments conducted at the 4-week mark revealed its ability to enhance the Achilles tendon's mechanical strength, regulate inflammation and facilitate tendon regeneration and functional recovery. Mechanically, the H-Exos-gel modulated the cellular behaviors of macrophages and tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) by inhibiting inflammation-related pathways and promoting proliferation-related pathways. Our findings delineate that the H-Exos-gel epitomizes a viable bioactive medium for tendon healing, heralding a promising avenue for the clinical amelioration of tendon injuries.

Role of the circulating milieu in age-related arterial dysfunction: a novel ex vivo approach

The circulating milieu, bioactive molecules in the bloodstream, is altered with aging and interfaces constantly with the vasculature. This anatomic juxtaposition suggests that circulating factors may actively modulate arterial function. Here, we developed a novel, translational experimental model that allows for direct interrogation of the influence of the circulating milieu on age-related arterial dysfunction (aortic stiffening and endothelial dysfunction). To do so, we exposed young and old mouse arteries to serum from young and old mice and young and midlife/older (ML/O) adult humans. We found that old mouse and ML/O adult human, but not young, serum stiffened young mouse aortic rings, assessed via elastic modulus (mouse and human serum, P = 0.003 vs. young serum control), and impaired carotid artery endothelial function, assessed by endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) (mouse serum, P < 0.001; human serum, P = 0.006 vs. young serum control). Furthermore, young mouse and human, but not old, serum reduced aortic elastic modulus (mouse serum, P = 0.009; human serum, P < 0.001 vs. old/MLO serum control) and improved EDD (mouse and human serum, P = 0.015 vs. old/MLO serum control) in old arteries. In human serum-exposed arteries, in vivo arterial function assessed in the human donors correlated with circulating milieu-modulated arterial function in young mouse arteries (aortic stiffness, r = 0.634, P = 0.005; endothelial function, r = 0.609, P = 0.004) and old mouse arteries (aortic stiffness, r = 0.664, P = 0.001; endothelial function, r = 0.637, P = 0.003). This study establishes novel experimental approaches for directly assessing the effects of the circulating milieu on arterial function and implicates changes in the circulating milieu as a mechanism of in vivo arterial aging.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Changes in the circulating milieu with advancing age may be a mechanism underlying age-related arterial dysfunction. Ex vivo exposure of young mouse arteries to the circulating milieu from old mice or midlife/older adults impairs arterial function whereas exposure of old mouse arteries to the circulating milieu from young mice or young adults improves arterial function. These findings establish that the circulating milieu directly influences arterial function with aging.

MicroRNAs-associated with FOXO3 in cellular senescence and other stress responses

FOXO3 is a member of the FOXO transcription factor family and is known for regulating cellular survival in response to stress caused by various external and biological stimuli. FOXO3 decides cell fate by modulating cellular senescence, apoptosis and autophagy by transcriptional regulation of genes involved in DNA damage response and oxidative stress resistance. These cellular processes are tightly regulated physiologically, with FOXO3 acting as the hub that integrates signalling networks controlling them. The activity of FOXO3 is influenced by post-translational modifications, altering its subcellular localisation. In addition, FOXO3 can also be regulated directly or indirectly by microRNAs (miRNAs) or vice versa. This review discusses the involvement of various miRNAs in FOXO3-driven cellular responses such as senescence, apoptosis, autophagy, redox and inflammation defence. Given that these responses are linked and influence cell fate, a thorough understanding of the complex regulation by miRNAs would provide key information for developing therapeutic strategy and avoid unintended consequences caused by off-site targeting of FOXO3.

The functional role of cellular senescence during vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease

Vascular calcification (VC) has emerged as a key predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In recent years, an expanding body of research has put forth the concept of accelerated vascular aging among CKD patients, highlighting the significance of vascular cells senescence in the process of VC. Within the milieu of uremia, senescent vascular endothelial cells (VECs) release extracellular microvesicles (MV) that promote vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) senescence, thereby triggering the subsequent osteogenic phenotypic switch and ultimately contributing to the VC process. In addition, senescent vascular progenitor or stem cells with diminished ability to differentiate into VECs and VSMCS, compromise the repair of vascular integrity, on the other hand, release a cascade of molecules associated with senescence, collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), perpetuating the senescence phenomenon. Furthermore, SASP triggers the recruitment of monocytes and macrophages, as well as adjacent VECs and VSMCs into a pro-adhesive and pro-inflammatory senescent state. This pro-inflammatory microenvironment niche not only impacts the functionality of immune cells but also influences the differentiation of myeloid immune cells, thereby amplifying the reduced ability to effectively clear senescent cells of senescent macrophages, promoted calcification of VSMCs. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the contribution of vascular cell senescence to the emergence and advancement of VC. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the involvement of cellular senescence within the vessel wall is pivotal, especially when it comes to its intersection with VC. This knowledge is essential for advancing groundbreaking anti-aging therapies, aiming to effectively mitigate cardiovascular diseases.

Apoptotic Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Promote Skin Repair by Enhancing Angiogenesis: From Death to Regeneration

Purpose

The promotion of angiogenesis is an effective strategy for skin wound repair. While the transplantation of endothelial cells has shown promise in vascularization, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Recent studies have suggested that transplanted cells undergo apoptosis in a short period and release apoptotic extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs) that may have therapeutic potential.

Methods

In this study, we isolated ApoEVs from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and characterized their properties. In vitro, we assessed the effects of ApoEVs on the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of endothelial cells and fibroblasts. In vivo, we investigated the therapeutic role of ApoEVs-AT in full-thickness skin wounds, evaluating wound closure rate, re-epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, vascularization, scar area, and collagen 3(Col3)/collagen 1(Col 1) ratio.

Results

ApoEVs derived from HUVECs displayed typical characteristics. In vitro, ApoEVs significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, tube formation, and expression of angiogenic-related genes in endothelial cells and slightly promoted the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. In vivo, ApoEVs improved the wound closure rate, re-epithelialization, the formation of granulation tissue, and vascularization. Besides, ApoEVs reduced scar formation, accompanied by an increase in the Col 3/ Col 1 ratio.

Conclusion

Given their abundant source and effectiveness, this study provided a novel approach for angiogenesis in tissue regeneration and deepened the understanding of from death to regeneration.

Extracellular Vesicles and Cardiac Aging

Global population aging is a major challenge to health and socioeconomic policies. The prevalence of diseases progressively increases with aging, with cardiovascular disease being the major cause of mortality among elderly people. The allostatic overload imposed by the accumulation of cardiac senescent cells has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the aging-related deterioration of cardiovascular function. Senescent cells exhibit intrinsic disorders and release a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Most of these SASP compounds and damaged molecules are released from senescent cells by extracellular vesicles (EVs). Once secreted, these EVs can be readily incorporated by recipient neighboring cells and elicit cellular damage or otherwise can promote extracellular matrix remodeling. This has been associated with the development of cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis, and vascular calcification, among others. The molecular signature of these EVs is highly variable and might provide important information for the development of aging-related biomarkers. Conversely, EVs released by the stem and progenitor cells can exert a rejuvenating effect, raising the possibility of future anti-aging therapies.

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Senescence

Cells can communicate in a variety of ways, such as by contacting each other or by secreting certain factors. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been proposed to be mediators of cell communication. EVs are small vesicles with a lipid bilayer membrane that are secreted by cells and contain DNA, RNAs, lipids, and proteins. These EVs are secreted from various cell types and can migrate and be internalized by recipient cells that are the same or different than those that secrete them. EVs harboring various components are involved in regulating gene expression in recipient cells. These EVs may also play important roles in the senescence of cells and the accumulation of senescent cells in the body. Studies on the function of EVs in senescent cells and the mechanisms through which nonsenescent and senescent cells communicate through EVs are being actively conducted. Here, we summarize studies suggesting that EVs secreted from senescent cells can promote the senescence of other cells and that EVs secreted from nonsenescent cells can rejuvenate senescent cells. In addition, we discuss the functional components (proteins, RNAs, and other molecules) enclosed in EVs that enter recipient cells.

The role of extracellular vesicles in animal reproduction and diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized membrane-enclosed compartments that serve as messengers in cell-to-cell communication, both in normal physiology and in pathological conditions. EVs can transfer functional proteins and genetic information to alter the phenotype and function of recipient cells, which undergo different changes that positively affect their structural and functional integrity. Biological fluids are enriched with several subpopulations of EVs, including exosomes, microvesicles (MVs), and apoptotic bodies carrying several cargoes, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. EVs associated with the reproductive system are actively involved in the regulation of different physiological events, including gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo and fetal development. EVs can influence follicle development, oocyte maturation, embryo production, and endometrial-conceptus communication. EVs loaded with cargoes are used to diagnose various diseases, including pregnancy disorders; however, these are dependent on the type of cell of origin and pathological characteristics. EV-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins in the placenta regulate inflammatory responses and trophoblast invasion through intercellular delivery in the placental microenvironment. This review presents evidence regarding the types of extracellular vesicles, and general aspects of isolation, purification, and characterization of EVs, particularly from various types of embryos. Further, we discuss EVs as mediators and messengers in reproductive biology, the effects of EVs on placentation and pregnancy disorders, the role of EVs in animal reproduction, in the male reproductive system, and mother and embryo cross-communication. In addition, we emphasize the role of microRNAs in embryo implantation and the role of EVs in reproductive and therapeutic medicine. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives of EVs in reproductive biology.

Exosomal Composition, Biogenesis and Profiling Using Point-of-Care Diagnostics—Implications for Cardiovascular Disease

Arteriosclerosis is an important age-dependent disease that encompasses atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis (ISR), pulmonary hypertension, autologous bypass grafting and transplant arteriosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC)-like cells is a critical event in the pathology of arteriosclerotic disease leading to intimal-medial thickening (IMT), lipid retention and vessel remodelling. An important aspect in guiding clinical decision-making is the detection of biomarkers of subclinical arteriosclerosis and early cardiovascular risk. Crucially, relevant biomarkers need to be good indicators of injury which change in their circulating concentrations or structure, signalling functional disturbances. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized membraneous vesicles secreted by cells that contain numerous bioactive molecules and act as a means of intercellular communication between different cell populations to maintain tissue homeostasis, gene regulation in recipient cells and the adaptive response to stress. This review will focus on the emerging field of EV research in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and discuss how key EV signatures in liquid biopsies may act as early pathological indicators of adaptive lesion formation and arteriosclerotic disease progression. EV profiling has the potential to provide important clinical information to complement current cardiovascular diagnostic platforms that indicate or predict myocardial injury. Finally, the development of fitting devices to enable rapid and/or high-throughput exosomal analysis that require adapted processing procedures will be evaluated.

EVOO Promotes a Less Atherogenic Profile Than Sunflower Oil in Smooth Muscle Cells Through the Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Endothelial Cells

Background

Little is known about the effect of extra virgin olive (EVOO) and sunflower oil (SO) on the composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by endothelial cells and the effects of these EVs on smooth muscle cells (SMCs). These cells play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of endothelial cells-derived EVs incubated with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins obtained after a high-fat meal with EVOO (EVOO-EVs) and SO (SO-EVs), on the transcriptomic profile of SMCs.

Results

We found 41 upregulated and 19 downregulated differentially expressed (DE)-miRNAs in EVOO-EVs. Afterwards, SMCs were incubated with EVOO-EVs and SO-EVs. SMCs incubated with SO-EVs showed a greater number of DE-mRNA involved in pathways related to cancer, focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and MAPK, toll-like receptor, chemokine and Wnt signaling pathways than in SMCs incubated with EVOO-EVs. These DE-mRNAs were involved in biological processes related to the response to endogenous stimulus, cell motility, regulation of intracellular signal transduction and cell population proliferation.

Conclusion

EVOO and SO can differently modify the miRNA composition of HUVEC-derived EVs. These EVs can regulate the SMCs transcriptomic profile, with SO-EVs promoting a profile more closely linked to the development of atherosclerosis than EVOO-EVs.

Senescence and associated blood-brain barrier alterations in vitro

Progressive deterioration of the central nervous system (CNS) is commonly associated with aging. An important component of the neurovasculature is the blood–brain barrier (BBB), majorly made up of endothelial cells joined together by intercellular junctions. The relationship between senescence and changes in the BBB has not yet been thoroughly explored. Moreover, the lack of in vitro models for the study of the mechanisms involved in those changes impede further and more in-depth investigations in the field. For this reason, we herein present an in vitro model of the senescent BBB and an initial attempt to identify senescence-associated alterations within.

Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Radiation Injuries

Normal tissue injury from accidental or therapeutic exposure to high-dose radiation can cause severe acute and delayed toxicities, which result in mortality and chronic morbidity. Exposure to single high-dose radiation leads to a multi-organ failure, known as acute radiation syndrome, which is caused by radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage to tissue stem cells. The radiation exposure results in acute cell loss, cell cycle arrest, senescence, and early damage to bone marrow and intestine with high mortality from sepsis. There is an urgent need for developing medical countermeasures against radiation injury for normal tissue toxicity. In this review, we discuss the potential of applying secretory extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages for promoting repair and regeneration of organs after radiation injury.

Anti-SASP and anti-inflammatory activity of resveratrol, curcumin and β-caryophyllene association on human endothelial and monocytic cells

A challenging and promising new branch of aging-related research fields is the identification of natural compounds able to modulate the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which characterizes senescent cells and can contribute to fuel the inflammaging. We investigated both the anti-SASP and anti-inflammatory activities of a nutritional supplement, namely Fenoxidol™, composed of turmeric extract bioCurcumin (bCUR), Polydatin (the natural glycosylated precursor of Resveratrol-RSV), and liposomal β-caryophyllene (BCP), in two human cellular models, such as the primary endothelial cell line, HUVECs and the monocytic cell line, THP-1. Replicative and Doxorubicin-induced senescent HUVECs, both chosen as cellular models of SASP, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated THP-1, selected as a model of the inflammatory response, were treated with the three single natural compounds or with a combination of them (MIX). In both senescent HUVEC models, MIX treatment significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-6 expression levels and p16^ink4a protein, and also increased SIRT1 protein level, as well as downregulated miR-146a and miR-21 expression, two of the so-called inflamma-miRNAs, more effectively than the single compounds. In THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS, the MIX showed a significant effect in decreasing IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and miR-146a expression levels and Caspase-1 activation, in association with an up-regulation of SIRT1 protein, compared to the single compounds. Overall, our results suggest that the three analysed compounds can have a combined effect in restraining SASP in senescent HUVECs as well as the inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells.

Targeting Molecular Mechanism of Vascular Smooth Muscle Senescence Induced by Angiotensin II, A Potential Therapy via Senolytics and Senomorphics

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prevalent issue in the global aging population. Premature vascular aging such as elevated arterial stiffness appears to be a major risk factor for CVD. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are one of the essential parts of arterial pathology and prone to stress-induced senescence. The pervasiveness of senescent VSMCs in the vasculature increases with age and can be further expedited by various stressing events such as oxidative stress, mitochondria dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and chronic inflammation. Angiotensin II (AngII) can induce many of these responses in VSMCs and is thus considered a key regulator of VSMC senescence associated with CVD. Understanding the precise mechanisms and consequences of senescent cell accumulation may uncover a new generation of therapies including senolytic and senomorphic compounds against CVD. Accordingly, in this review article, we discuss potential molecular mechanisms of VSMC senescence such as those induced by AngII and the therapeutic manipulations of senescence to control age-related CVD and associated conditions such as by senolytic.

Aloe emodin relieves Ang II-induced endothelial junction dysfunction via promoting ubiquitination mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation

Recent studies have revealed that aloe emodin (AE), a natural compound from the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum L., exhibits significant pharmacologic activities. However, the pharmacologic relevance of the compound, particularly for cardiovascular disease, remains largely unknown. Here, we hypothesized that AE could improve endothelial junction dysfunction through inhibiting the activation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome regulated by NLRP3 ubiquitination, and ultimately prevent cardiovascular disease. In vivo, we used confocal microscopy to study the expression of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1/2 (ZO-1/2) and the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome in coronary arteries of hypertension. And the experimental serum was used to detect the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by ELISA assay. We found that AE could restore the expression of the endothelial connective proteins ZO-1/2 and decrease the release of high mobility group box1 (HMGB1), and also inhibited the formation and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Similarly, in vitro, our findings demonstrated that AE could restore the expression of the tight junction proteins ZO-1/2 and decrease monolayer cell permeability that related to endothelial function after stimulation by angiotensin II (Ang II) in microvascular endothelial cells (MECs). We also demonstrated that AE could inhibit Ang II-induced NLRP3 inflammasome formation and activation, which were regulated by NLRP3 ubiquitination in MECs, as shown by fluorescence confocal microscopy and Western blot. Together with these changes, we revealed a new protection mechanism of AE that inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and decreased the release of HMGB1 by promoting NLRP3 ubiquitination. Our findings implicated that AE exhibited immense potential and specific therapeutic value in hypertension-related cardiovascular disease in the early stage and the development of innovative drugs.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Derived Exosomes for Immunomodulatory Therapeutics and Skin Regeneration

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that serve as mediators for cell-to-cell communication. With their unique nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids cargo compositions that reflect the characteristics of producer cells, exosomes can be utilized as cell-free therapeutics. Among exosomes derived from various cellular origins, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) have gained great attention due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative functions. Indeed, many studies have shown anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and wound healing effects of MSC-exosomes in various in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, recent advances in the field of exosome biology have enabled development of specific guidelines and quality control methods, which will ultimately lead to clinical application of exosomes. This review highlights recent studies that investigate therapeutic potential of MSC-exosomes and relevant mode of actions for skin diseases, as well as quality control measures required for development of exosome-derived therapeutics.

Extracellular Endothelial Cell-Derived Vesicles: Emerging Role in Cardiac and Vascular Remodeling in Heart Failure

Extracellular vesicles play a pivotal role in numerous physiological (immune response, cell-to-cell cooperation, angiogenesis) and pathological (reparation, inflammation, thrombosis/coagulation, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction) processes. The development of heart failure is strongly associated with endothelial dysfunction, microvascular inflammation, alteration in tissue repair, and cardiac and vascular remodeling. It has been postulated that activated endothelial cell-derived vesicles are not just transfer forms of several active molecules (such as regulatory peptides, coagulation factors, growth factors, active molecules, hormones that are embedded onto angiogenesis, tissue reparation, proliferation, and even prevention from ischemia/hypoxia), but are instead involved in direct myocardial and vascular damage due to regulation of epigenetic responses of the tissue. These responses are controlled by several factors, such as micro-RNAs, that are transferred inside extracellular vesicles from mother cells to acceptor cells and are transductors of epigenetic signals. Finally, it is not a uniform opinion whether different phenotypes of heart failure are the result of altered cardiac and vascular reparation due to certain epigenetic responses, which are yielded by co-morbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and obesity. The aim of the review is to summarize knowledge regarding the role of various types of extracellular endothelial cell-derived vesicles in the regulation of cardiac and vascular remodeling in heart failure.