1
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Liu C, Chen Q, He M, Liao Y. Allograft Model of Aortic Arch Segment Grafting to Abdominal Aorta Through End-to-Side Anastomosis in Mice. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2024; 17:901-909. [PMID: 38409475 PMCID: PMC11371875 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-024-10495-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The mouse aortic transplantation model is a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms of atherosclerosis regression, but few laboratories can generate it due to the operation difficulty, especially for the style of end-to-side anastomosis, which facilitates syngeneic heterotopic transplanting a plaque-rich aortic arch into the abdominal aorta. Here we provide a modified protocol for generating this allograft model, which is capable of overcoming several critical surgical challenges such as separating a longer abdominal aorta segment, reducing bleeding and thrombosis, optimizing aortotomy, and improving end-to-side anastomosis to guarantee a potent graft. By transplanting plaque-rich aortic arches into the abdominal aorta of wildtype mice, a high operation success rate (over 90%) was noted with aortic clamping time under 60 min, the graft potency was satisfactory evidenced by examinations of micro-CT, ultrasound, and lower limb blood flow measurement, while a significant atherosclerosis regression was observed in the grafts at 1 week after transplantation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Abdominal/surgery
- Aorta, Abdominal/diagnostic imaging
- Aorta, Abdominal/physiopathology
- Aorta, Thoracic/surgery
- Aorta, Thoracic/diagnostic imaging
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiopathology
- Anastomosis, Surgical
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Disease Models, Animal
- Time Factors
- Male
- Allografts
- Atherosclerosis/surgery
- Atherosclerosis/diagnostic imaging
- Atherosclerosis/physiopathology
- X-Ray Microtomography
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Aortic Diseases/surgery
- Aortic Diseases/diagnostic imaging
- Aortic Diseases/physiopathology
- Regional Blood Flow
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Heart Function and Microcirculation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Heart Function and Microcirculation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mingyuan He
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Heart Function and Microcirculation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yulin Liao
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Heart Function and Microcirculation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
- Cardiovascular Center, the Affiliated Sixth Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan, China.
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2
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Franklin MK, Sawada H, Ito S, Howatt DA, Amioka N, Liang CL, Zhang N, Graf DB, Moorleghen JJ, Katsumata Y, Lu HS, Daugherty A. β-Aminopropionitrile Induces Distinct Pathologies in the Ascending and Descending Thoracic Aortic Regions of Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1555-1569. [PMID: 38779856 PMCID: PMC11209774 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) is a pharmacological inhibitor of LOX (lysyl oxidase) and LOXLs (LOX-like proteins). Administration of BAPN promotes aortopathies, although there is a paucity of data on experimental conditions to generate pathology. The objective of this study was to define experimental parameters and determine whether equivalent or variable aortopathies were generated throughout the aortic tree during BAPN administration in mice. METHODS BAPN was administered in drinking water for a period ranging from 1 to 12 weeks. The impacts of BAPN were first assessed with regard to BAPN dose, and mouse strain, age, and sex. BAPN-induced aortic pathological characterization was conducted using histology and immunostaining. To investigate the mechanistic basis of regional heterogeneity, the ascending and descending thoracic aortas were harvested after 1 week of BAPN administration before the appearance of overt pathology. RESULTS BAPN-induced aortic rupture predominantly occurred or originated in the descending thoracic aorta in young C57BL/6J or N mice. No apparent differences were found between male and female mice. For mice surviving 12 weeks of BAPN administration, profound dilatation was consistently observed in the ascending region, while there were more heterogeneous changes in the descending thoracic region. Pathological features were distinct between the ascending and descending thoracic regions. Aortic pathology in the ascending region was characterized by luminal dilatation and elastic fiber disruption throughout the media. The descending thoracic region frequently had dissections with false lumen formation, collagen deposition, and remodeling of the wall surrounding the false lumen. Cells surrounding the false lumen were predominantly positive for α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin). One week of BAPN administration compromised contractile properties in both regions equivalently, and RNA sequencing did not show obvious differences between the 2 aortic regions in smooth muscle cell markers, cell proliferation markers, and extracellular components. CONCLUSIONS BAPN-induced pathologies show distinct, heterogeneous features within and between ascending and descending aortic regions in mice.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aminopropionitrile/toxicity
- Aminopropionitrile/pharmacology
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Female
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Disease Models, Animal
- Aortic Rupture/chemically induced
- Aortic Rupture/pathology
- Aortic Rupture/metabolism
- Aortic Rupture/prevention & control
- Mice
- Vascular Remodeling/drug effects
- Dilatation, Pathologic
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Age Factors
- Time Factors
- Sex Factors
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Sohei Ito
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Deborah A. Howatt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Naofumi Amioka
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Ching-Ling Liang
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Nancy Zhang
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - David B. Graf
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Yuriko Katsumata
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Hong S. Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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3
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Franklin MK, Sawada H, Ito S, Howatt DA, Amioka N, Liang CL, Zhang N, Graf DB, Moorleghen JJ, Katsumata Y, Lu HS, Daugherty A. β-aminopropionitrile Induces Distinct Pathologies in the Ascending and Descending Thoracic Aortic Regions of Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.22.563474. [PMID: 37886537 PMCID: PMC10602045 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.22.563474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) is a pharmacological inhibitor of lysyl oxidase and lysyl oxidase-like proteins. Administration of BAPN promotes aortopathies, although there is a paucity of data on experimental conditions to generate pathology. The objective of this study was to define experimental parameters and determine whether equivalent or variable aortopathies were generated throughout the aortic tree during BAPN administration in mice. METHODS BAPN was administered in drinking water for a period ranging from 1 to 12 weeks. The impacts of BAPN were first assessed with regard to dose, strain, age, and sex. BAPN-induced aortic pathological characterization was conducted using histology and immunostaining. To investigate the mechanistic basis of regional heterogeneity, ascending and descending thoracic aortas were harvested after one week of BAPN administration before the appearance of overt pathology. RESULTS BAPN-induced aortic rupture predominantly occurred or originated in the descending thoracic aorta in young C57BL/6J or N mice. No apparent differences were found between male and female mice. For mice surviving 12 weeks of BAPN administration, profound dilatation was consistently observed in the ascending region, while there were more heterogeneous changes in the descending thoracic region. Pathological features were distinct between the ascending and descending thoracic regions. Aortic pathology in the ascending region was characterized by luminal dilatation and elastic fiber disruption throughout the media. The descending thoracic region frequently had dissections with false lumen formation, collagen deposition, and remodeling of the wall surrounding the false lumen. Cells surrounding the false lumen were predominantly positive for α-smooth muscle actin. One week of BAPN administration compromised contractile properties in both regions equivalently, and RNA sequencing did not show obvious differences between the two aortic regions in smooth muscle cell markers, cell proliferation markers, and extracellular components. CONCLUSIONS BAPN-induced pathologies show distinct, heterogeneous features within and between ascending and descending aortic regions in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Sohei Ito
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Deborah A. Howatt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Naofumi Amioka
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Ching-Ling Liang
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Nancy Zhang
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - David B. Graf
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Yuriko Katsumata
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Hong S. Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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4
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Khare HA, Binderup T, Hag AMF, Kjaer A. Longitudinal imaging of murine atherosclerosis with 2-deoxy-2-[ 18F]fluoro-D-glucose and [ 18F]-sodium fluoride in genetically modified Apolipoprotein E knock-out and wild type mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22983. [PMID: 38151517 PMCID: PMC10752895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49585-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In a longitudinal design, four arterial segments in mice were followed by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. We aimed to determine how the tracers reflected the development of atherosclerosis via the uptake of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) for imaging inflammation and [18F]-sodium fluoride (Na[18F]F) for imaging active microcalcification in a murine model of atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein E knock-out (ApoE) mice and C57 BL/6NtaC (B6) mice were divided into four groups. They received either normal chow (N = 7, ApoE mice and N = 6, B6 mice) for 32 weeks or a high-fat diet (N = 6, ApoEHFD mice and N = 9, B6HFD mice) for 32 weeks. The mice were scanned with [18F]FDG and Na[18F]F using a dedicated small animal PET/CT scanner at three timepoints. The tracer uptakes in four aortic segments (abdominal aorta, aortic arch, ascending aorta, and thoracic aorta) were measured and reported as SUVmax values. The uptake of [18F]FDG (SUVmax: 5.7 ± 0.5 vs 1.9 ± 0.2, 230.3%, p = < 0.0001) and Na[18F]F (SUVmax: 9.6 ± 1.8 vs 4.0 ± 0.3, 175%, p = 0.007) was significantly increased in the abdominal aorta of ApoEHFD mice at Week 32 compared to baseline abdominal aorta values of ApoEHFD mice. [18F]FDG uptake in the aortic arch, ascending aorta and the thoracic aorta of B6HFD mice at Week 32 showed a robust resemblance to the abdominal aorta uptake whereas the Na[18F]F uptake only resembled in the thoracic aorta of B6HFD mice at Week 32 compared to the abdominal aorta. The uptake of both [18F]FDG and Na[18F]F increased as the disease progressed over time, and the abdominal aorta provided a robust measure across mouse strain and diet. Therefore, it seems to be the preferred region for image readout. For [18F]FDG-PET, both B6 and ApoE mice provide valuable information and either mouse strain may be used in preclinical cardiovascular studies, whereas for Na[18F]F -PET, ApoE mice should be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshvardhan A Khare
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Tina Binderup
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Fisker Hag
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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5
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Li Z, Zhang Q, Liu X, Zhao M. Recombinant Humanized IgG1 Antibody Promotes Reverse Cholesterol Transport through FcRn-ERK1/2-PPARα Pathway in Hepatocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314607. [PMID: 36498935 PMCID: PMC9736681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia-associated lipid disorders are considered the cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is a mechanism by which excess peripheral cholesterol is transported to the liver and further converted into bile acid for excretion from the body in feces, which contributes to reducing hyperlipidemia as well as cardiovascular disease. We previously found that the recombinant humanized IgG1 antibody promotes macrophages to engulf lipids and increases cholesterol efflux to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) through ATP-binding cassette sub-family A1 (ABCA1), one of the key proteins related to RCT. In the present study, we explored other RCT related proteins expression on hepatocytes, including scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), and apolipoprotein A-II (ApoA-II), and its modulation mechanism involved. We confirmed that the recombinant humanized IgG1 antibody selectively activated ERK1/2 to upregulate SR-BI, ApoA-I, and ApoA-II expression in mice liver and human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HepG2 cells. The rate-limiting enzymes of bile acid synthesis, including cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1), exhibited a significant increase when treated with the recombinant humanized IgG1 antibody, as well as increased excretion of bile acids in feces. Besides, abolishment or mutation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)/RXR binding site on SR-BI promoter eliminated SR-BI reporter gene luciferase activity even in the presence of the recombinant humanized IgG1 antibody. Knock down the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) on hepatocytes impaired the effect of recombinant humanized IgG1 antibody on activation of ERK1/2, as well as upregulation of SR-BI, ApoA-I, and ApoA-II expression. In conclusion, one of the mechanisms on the recombinant humanized IgG1 antibody attenuates hyperlipidemia in ApoE-/- mice model fed with high-fat-diet might be through reinforcement of liver RCT function in an FcRn-ERK1/2-PPARα dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghao Li
- Key Lab for Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xianyan Liu
- Key Lab for Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Key Lab for Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Correspondence:
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6
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Wei M, Niu X, Jing HS, Zhong JJ, Deng YL, Hou YM, Liu WQ, Deng ZY, Li J. Butter-Derived Ruminant Trans Fatty Acids Do Not Alleviate Atherosclerotic Lesions in High-Fat Diet-Fed ApoE -/- Mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:8631-8644. [PMID: 35792578 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c02225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the most common cardiovascular disease (CVD). Currently, it is widely believed that R-TFA and I-TFA may cause different biological effects. In the present study, we aim to elucidate the effect of mixed R-TFA derived from butter on the development of AS in high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice and find the possible mechanism. It was shown that butter-derived R-TFA promoted dyslipidemia, reduced thoracic and abdominal aorta diameters, and induced aortic lipid deposition and atherosclerotic lesions in high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice. Meanwhile, butter-derived R-TFA affected the serum lipid profile of high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice and the lipid metabolism of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Through lipidomic techniques, we found that butter-derived R-TFA had a significant effect on the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that butter-derived R-TFA does not alleviate but promotes atherosclerotic lesions in high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice and that the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway plays a major role in this pro-atherosclerotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wei
- State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
| | - Xian Niu
- State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
| | - Hong-Shen Jing
- State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
| | - Jin-Jing Zhong
- Hyproca Nutrition Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yi-Ling Deng
- Hyproca Nutrition Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yan-Mei Hou
- Hyproca Nutrition Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Wen-Qun Liu
- State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
| | - Ze-Yuan Deng
- State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
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7
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Wang XP, Li QL, Li W, Zhang T, Li XY, Jiao Y, Zhang XM, Jiang JJ, Zhang X, Zhang XM. Dexamethasone attenuated thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in vascular smooth muscle cell Tgfbr2 disrupted mice with CCL8 suppression. Exp Physiol 2022; 107:631-645. [PMID: 35344629 DOI: 10.1113/ep090190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of CCL8 and the thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) formation in postnatal mice with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) Tgfbr2 disruption and whether dexamethasone could be a potential treatment. What is the main finding and its importance? CCL8 was associated with the formation of TAAD in VSMC Tgfbr2 disrupted mice. Dexamethasone reduced TAAD formation and inhibited MAPK (p-p38) and NF-κB (p-p65) signaling pathways. CCL8 might be an important promoter in aortic inflammation. DEX provided potential therapeutic effects in TAAD treatment. ABSTRACT Aortic inflammation plays a vital role in initiation and progression of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD). The disturbance of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is believed to be one of the pathogenic mechanisms of TAAD. Initially, Myh11-CreERT2 .Tgfbr2f/f male mice were used to build TAAD mice model. And bioinformatics analyses revealed the enriched inflammatory signal pathways and upregulated chemokine CCL8. So we hypothesized that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) Tgfbr2 disruption in postnatal mice resulted in aortic inflammation associated with CCL8 secretion. Then real-time quantitative PCR and serum ELISA results confirmed that CCL8 expression began to increase after VSMC Tgfbr2 disruption. Next, we cultured mouse thoracic aortas ex vivo, and observed that the protein expressions of CCL8 in culture supernatants were increased by ELISA. Subsequently, the co-localization of CCL8 with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) orCD68 was found significantly increased by immunofluorescence. Then, dexamethasone (DEX) was used to treat TAAD in VSMC Tgfbr2 disrupted mice The results of histochemical, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining indicated that DEX therapy reduced CCL8 secretion, inflammatory cell recruitment, aortic medial thickening, elastic fiber fragmentating, extracellular matrix degradation, contractile apparatus impairment, thereby ameliorated TAAD formation. Western blot showed that MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in aorta were overactivated after VSMC Tgfbr2 disruption, but inhibited by DEX therapy. Altogether, CCL8 might be an important promoter in TAAD formation of VSMC Tgfbr2 disrupted mice. And DEX provided potential therapeutic effects in TAAD treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Peng Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Le Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Li
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Min Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jun Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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8
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Imaging Techniques for Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections in Mice: Comparisons of Ex Vivo, In Situ, and Ultrasound Approaches. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020339. [PMID: 35204838 PMCID: PMC8869425 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic aneurysms and dissections are life-threatening conditions that have a high risk for lethal bleeding and organ malperfusion. Many studies have investigated the molecular basis of these diseases using mouse models. In mice, ex vivo, in situ, and ultrasound imaging are major approaches to evaluate aortic diameters, a common parameter to determine the severity of aortic aneurysms. However, accurate evaluations of aortic dimensions by these imaging approaches could be challenging due to pathological features of aortic aneurysms. Currently, there is no standardized mode to assess aortic dissections in mice. It is important to understand the characteristics of each approach for reliable evaluation of aortic dilatations. In this review, we summarize imaging techniques used for aortic visualization in recent mouse studies and discuss their pros and cons. We also provide suggestions to facilitate the visualization of mouse aortas.
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9
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Chen JZ, Sawada H, Ye D, Katsumata Y, Kukida M, Ohno-Urabe S, Moorleghen JJ, Franklin MK, Howatt DA, Sheppard MB, Mullick AE, Lu HS, Daugherty A. Deletion of AT1a (Angiotensin II Type 1a) Receptor or Inhibition of Angiotensinogen Synthesis Attenuates Thoracic Aortopathies in Fibrillin1 C1041G/+ Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:2538-2550. [PMID: 34407634 PMCID: PMC8458261 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.315715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: A cardinal feature of Marfan syndrome is thoracic aortic aneurysm. The contribution of the renin-angiotensin system via AT1aR (Ang II [angiotensin II] receptor type 1a) to thoracic aortic aneurysm progression remains controversial because the beneficial effects of angiotensin receptor blockers have been ascribed to off-target effects. This study used genetic and pharmacological modes of attenuating angiotensin receptor and ligand, respectively, to determine their roles on thoracic aortic aneurysm in mice with fibrillin-1 haploinsufficiency (Fbn1C1041G/+). Approach and Results: Thoracic aortic aneurysm in Fbn1C1041G/+ mice was found to be strikingly sexual dimorphic. Males displayed aortic dilation over 12 months while aortic dilation in Fbn1C1041G/+ females did not differ significantly from wild-type mice. To determine the role of AT1aR, Fbn1C1041G/+ mice that were either +/+ or -/- for AT1aR were generated. AT1aR deletion reduced expansion of ascending aorta and aortic root diameter from 1 to 12 months of age in males. Medial thickening and elastin fragmentation were attenuated. An antisense oligonucleotide against angiotensinogen was administered to male Fbn1C1041G/+ mice to determine the effects of Ang II depletion. Antisense oligonucleotide against angiotensinogen administration attenuated dilation of the ascending aorta and aortic root and reduced extracellular remodeling. Aortic transcriptome analyses identified potential targets by which inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system reduced aortic dilation in Fbn1C1041G/+ mice. Conclusions: Deletion of AT1aR or inhibition of Ang II production exerted similar effects in attenuating pathologies in the proximal thoracic aorta of male Fbn1C1041G/+ mice. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system attenuated dysregulation of genes within the aorta related to pathology of Fbn1C1041G/+ mice.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensinogen/genetics
- Angiotensinogen/metabolism
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/prevention & control
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Fibrillin-1/genetics
- Fibrillin-1/metabolism
- Gene Deletion
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Haploinsufficiency
- Male
- Marfan Syndrome/genetics
- Marfan Syndrome/metabolism
- Marfan Syndrome/pathology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/deficiency
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/genetics
- Renin-Angiotensin System/genetics
- Sex Characteristics
- Sex Factors
- Transcriptome
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Z. Chen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Dien Ye
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Yuriko Katsumata
- Department Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Masayoshi Kukida
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Satoko Ohno-Urabe
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Jessica J. Moorleghen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Michael K. Franklin
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Deborah A. Howatt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Mary B. Sheppard
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Hong S. Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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10
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Wang X, Zhang X, Qiu T, Yang Y, Li Q, Zhang X. Dexamethasone reduces the formation of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in a murine model. Exp Cell Res 2021; 405:112703. [PMID: 34118251 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening vascular disease with no effective pharmaceutical therapies currently available. Inflammation plays a key role in the progression of aneurysms. Dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has showed alleviating effects on cells in vitro from TAAD patients. Here we performed a study aiming at investigating the protective role of DEX in a β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate (BAPN)-induced TAAD mouse model. DEX (dose: 0.04 mg/kg/day) treatment significantly reduced the aortic diameter and inhibited TAAD formation. DEX reduced infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), expression of metalloproteinase 2/9, and extracellular matrix degradation in BAPN-treated TAAD mice. Furthermore, DEX therapy downregulated the expression of p-p65 in macrophages and VSMCs, which suggested that DEX might ameliorate BAPN-induced TAAD by suppressing NF-κB signaling. Therefore, DEX therapy attenuates the progression of BAPN-induced TAAD murine model and could be used as an effective adjuvant therapy for treating TAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xipeng Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, China.
| | - Tao Qiu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Qingle Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
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11
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Assessment of thoracic aorta in different cardiac phases in patients with non-aorta diseases using cardiac CT. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15209. [PMID: 34312448 PMCID: PMC8313572 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94677-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate the thoracic aorta in different cardiac phases to obtain the correct cardiac phase for measuring the maximum diameter required to predict aortic disease. Cardiac CT was performed on 97 patients for suspected coronary artery disease. The average diameter of ascending (AAD) and descending aorta (DAD) in the plane of pulmonary bifurcation, in the plane of the sinus junction (AAD [STJ] and DAD [STJ]), descending aorta in the plane of the diaphragm (DAD [Dia]), the diameter of the main pulmonary artery (MPAD), distance from the sternum to the spine (S-SD), and distance from the sternum to the ascending aorta (S-AAD) were assessed at 20 different time points in the cardiac cycle. Differences in aortic diameter in different cardiac phases and the correlation between aortic diameter and traditional risk factors were analyzed by the general linear mixed model. The diameter of the thoracic aorta reached the minimum at the phase of 95–0%, and reached the maximum at 30–35%. The maximum values of AAD, AAD (STJ), DAD, DAD (STJ), and DAD (Dia) were 32.51 ± 3.35 mm, 28.86 ± 3.01 mm, 23.46 ± 2.88 mm, 21.85 ± 2.58 mm, and 21.09 ± 2.66 mm, respectively. The maximum values of MPAD/AAD and DAD/AAD (STJ) were 0.8140 ± 0.1029, 0.7623 ± 0.0799, respectively. The diameter of the thoracic aorta varies with the cardiac phase. Analyzing the changes in aortic diameter, which can be done using cardiac CT, could provide a more accurate clinical measurement for predicting aortic disease.
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12
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Ohno-Urabe S, Kukida M, Franklin MK, Katsumata Y, Su W, Gong MC, Lu HS, Daugherty A, Sawada H. Authentication of In Situ Measurements for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:2117-2119. [PMID: 33792346 PMCID: PMC8159859 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.315983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wen Su
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky
| | - Ming C. Gong
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky
| | - Hong S. Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky
| | - Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky
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13
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Sawada H, Franklin MK, Moorleghen JJ, Howatt DA, Kukida M, Lu HS, Daugherty A. Ultrasound Monitoring of Descending Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:2557-2559. [PMID: 32847392 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (H.S., M.K.F., J.J.M., D.A.H., M.K., H.S.L., A.D.), University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Michael K Franklin
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (H.S., M.K.F., J.J.M., D.A.H., M.K., H.S.L., A.D.), University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Jessica J Moorleghen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (H.S., M.K.F., J.J.M., D.A.H., M.K., H.S.L., A.D.), University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Deborah A Howatt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (H.S., M.K.F., J.J.M., D.A.H., M.K., H.S.L., A.D.), University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Masayoshi Kukida
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (H.S., M.K.F., J.J.M., D.A.H., M.K., H.S.L., A.D.), University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Hong S Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (H.S., M.K.F., J.J.M., D.A.H., M.K., H.S.L., A.D.), University of Kentucky, Lexington.,Department of Physiology (H.S.L., A.D.), University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (H.S., M.K.F., J.J.M., D.A.H., M.K., H.S.L., A.D.), University of Kentucky, Lexington.,Department of Physiology (H.S.L., A.D.), University of Kentucky, Lexington
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14
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Lu H, Sun J, Liang W, Chang Z, Rom O, Zhao Y, Zhao G, Xiong W, Wang H, Zhu T, Guo Y, Chang L, Garcia-Barrio MT, Zhang J, Chen YE, Fan Y. Cyclodextrin Prevents Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm via Activation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Transcription Factor EB. Circulation 2020; 142:483-498. [PMID: 32354235 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.119.044803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe aortic disease with a high mortality rate in the event of rupture. Pharmacological therapy is needed to inhibit AAA expansion and prevent aneurysm rupture. Transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of autophagy and lysosome biogenesis, is critical to maintain cell homeostasis. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) TFEB in the development of AAA and establish TFEB as a novel target to treat AAA. METHODS The expression of TFEB was measured in human and mouse aortic aneurysm samples. We used loss/gain-of-function approaches to understand the role of TFEB in VSMC survival and explored the underlying mechanisms through transcriptome and functional studies. Using VSMC-selective Tfeb knockout mice and different mouse AAA models, we determined the role of VSMC TFEB and a TFEB activator in AAA in vivo. RESULTS We found that TFEB is downregulated in both human and mouse aortic aneurysm lesions. TFEB potently inhibits apoptosis in VSMCs, and transcriptome analysis revealed that TFEB regulates apoptotic signaling pathways, especially apoptosis inhibitor B-cell lymphoma 2. B-cell lymphoma 2 is significantly upregulated by TFEB and is required for TFEB to inhibit VSMC apoptosis. We consistently observed that TFEB deficiency increases VSMC apoptosis and promotes AAA formation in different mouse AAA models. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, a clinical agent used to enhance the solubility of drugs, activates TFEB and inhibits AAA formation and progression in mice. Last, we found that 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inhibits AAA in a VSMC TFEB-dependent manner in mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that TFEB protects against VSMC apoptosis and AAA. TFEB activation by 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haocheng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Jinjian Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Wenying Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Ziyi Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Oren Rom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Wenhao Xiong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Huilun Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Tianqing Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Lin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Minerva T Garcia-Barrio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor
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15
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Sharma N, Sun Z, Hill MA, Hans CP. Measurement of Pulse Propagation Velocity, Distensibility and Strain in an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Mouse Model. J Vis Exp 2020:10.3791/60515. [PMID: 32150160 PMCID: PMC7890464 DOI: 10.3791/60515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a localized dilation of the abdominal aorta that exceeds the maximal intraluminal diameter (MILD) by 1.5 times of its original size. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that small aneurysms may rupture, while a subpopulation of large aneurysms may remain stable. Thus, in addition to the measurement of intraluminal diameter of the aorta, knowledge of structural traits of the vessel wall may provide important information to assess the stability of the AAA. Aortic stiffening has recently emerged as a reliable tool to determine early changes in the vascular wall. Pulse propagation velocity (PPV) along with the distensibility and radial strain are highly useful ultrasound-based methods relevant for assessing aortic stiffness. The primary purpose of this protocol is to provide a comprehensive technique for the use of ultrasound imaging system to acquire images and analyze the structural and functional properties of the aorta as determined by MILD, PPV, distensibility and radial strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neekun Sharma
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Missouri; Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri
| | - Zhe Sun
- Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri; Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri
| | - Michael A Hill
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Missouri; Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri; Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri
| | - Chetan P Hans
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Missouri; Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri; Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri;
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16
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Liu J, Sawada H, Howatt DA, Moorleghen JJ, Vsevolozhskaya O, Daugherty A, Lu HS. Hypercholesterolemia Accelerates Both the Initiation and Progression of Angiotensin II-induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. ANNALS OF VASCULAR MEDICINE AND RESEARCH 2020; 6:1099. [PMID: 32432166 PMCID: PMC7236767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study determined whether hypercholesterolemia would contribute to both the initiation and progression of angiotensin (Ang)II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS To determine whether hypercholesterolemia accelerates the initiation of AAAs, male low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor -/- mice were either fed one week of Western diet prior to starting AngII infusion or initiated Western diet one week after starting AngII infusion. During the first week of AngII infusion, mice fed normal diet had less luminal expansion of the suprarenal aorta compared to those initiated Western diet after the first week of AngII infusion. The two groups achieved comparable luminal dilation on week 2 through week 6 of AngII infusion as monitored by ultrasound. To determine whether hypercholesterolemia contributed to the progression of established AAAs, male LDL receptor -/- mice were fed Western diet and infused with AngII for 4 weeks. Mice with established AAAs were then stratified into two groups based on luminal diameters measured by ultrasound. While AngII infusion was continued for another 8 weeks in both groups, mice in one group were continuously fed Western diet, but diet in the other group was switched to normal laboratory diet. In the latter group, plasma cholesterol concentrations were reduced rapidly to approximately 500 mg/dl within one week after the diet was switched from Western diet to normal laboratory diet. Luminal expansion progressed constantly in mice continuously fed Western diet, whereas no continuous expansion was detected in mice that were switched to normal laboratory diet. CONCLUSION Hypercholesterolemia accelerates both the initiation of AAAs and progression of established AAAs in AngII-infused male LDL receptor -/- mice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hypercholesterolemia is modestly associated with AAAs in observational or retrospective clinical studies. It is not feasible to study whether hypercholesterolemia contributes to the initiation of AAAs or progression of established AAAs in human. This study using AngII-induced AAA mouse model provides solid evidence that hypercholesterolemia contributes to both the initiation and progression of AAAs, supporting that statin therapy at any stage of AAA development may be beneficial to hypercholesterolemic patients with AAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, USA
| | - Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, USA
| | - Deborah A. Howatt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, USA
| | - Jessica J. Moorleghen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Alan Daugherty
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, USA
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, USA
| | - Hong S. Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, USA
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, USA
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17
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Chen JZ, Sawada H, Moorleghen JJ, Weiland M, Daugherty A, Sheppard MB. Aortic Strain Correlates with Elastin Fragmentation in Fibrillin-1 Hypomorphic Mice. Circ Rep 2019; 1:199-205. [PMID: 31123721 PMCID: PMC6528667 DOI: 10.1253/circrep.cr-18-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High frequency ultrasound has facilitated in vivo measurements of murine ascending aortas, allowing aortic strains to be gleaned from two-dimensional images. Thoracic aortic aneurysms associated with mutations in fibrillin-1 (FBN1) display elastin fragmentation, which may impact aortic strain. In this study, we determined the relationship between elastin fragmentation and aortic circumferential strain in wild type and fibrillin-1 hypomorphic (FBN1 mgR/mgR) mice. Methods and Results Luminal diameters of the ascending aorta from wild type and FBN1 hypomorphic (FBN1 mgR/mgR) mice were measured in systole and diastole. Expansion of the ascending aorta during systole in male and female wild type mice was 0.21±0.02 mm (16.3%) and 0.21±0.01 mm (17.0%) respectively, while expansion in male and female FBN1 mgR/mgR mice was 0.11±0.04 mm (4.9%) and 0.07±0.02 mm (4.5%) respectively. Reduced circumferential strain was observed in FBN1 mgR/mgR mice compared to wild type littermates. Elastin fragmentation was inversely correlated to circumferential strain (R^2 = 0.628 p = 0.004) and significantly correlated with aortic diameter. (R^2 = 0.397, p = 0.038 in systole and R^2 = 0.515, p =0.013 in diastole). Conclusions FBN1 mgR/mgR mice had increased aortic diameters, reduced circumferential strain, and increased elastin fragmentation. Elastin fragmentation in FBN1 mgR/mgR and their wild type littermates was correlated with reduced circumferential strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Z Chen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center.,Department of Physiology
| | | | | | | | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center.,Department of Physiology
| | - Mary B Sheppard
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center.,Department of Physiology.,Department of Family and Community Medicine.,Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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