Ovarian premature aging: VIP as key regulator of fibro-inflammation and foamy macrophages generation

Ovarian aging is associated with fibro-inflammation, contributing to the decline in oocyte count and quality. Given the immunomodulatory properties of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the reproductive tract, we investigated its role in maintaining ovarian immune homeostasis and preventing premature aging. We evaluated young VIP knockout (KO) mice, comparing them to young wild type (WT) females, for signs of premature aging. Histological staining revealed aberrant ovarian morphology in VIP KO mice, characterized by increased atretic follicles and decreased ovarian reserve compared to WT controls. Moreover, VIP KO ovaries showed reduced vascularization, increased collagen deposition and elevated ROS and IL-1β levels. Foamy macrophages were significantly predominant, indicating premature aging in young VIP KO ovaries. To determine potential mechanisms behind these pathogenic changes, we conditioned peritoneal macrophages from young WT or VIP KO mice in vitro with ovarian-conditioned media from young WT or VIP KO mice to mimic the respective ovarian microenvironment. When WT or VIP KO peritoneal macrophages were conditioned with ovarian media from their respective genotypes, lipid droplet accumulation increased compared to control medium. In cross-genotype experiments, WT macrophages conditioned with media from VIP KO ovaries selectively accumulated higher levels of lipid droplets, whereas no differences were observed in VIP KO macrophages conditioned with WT ovarian media. This suggests that VIP KO macrophages are uniquely sensitized to the inflammatory environment of VIP KO ovaries, implicating both ovarian factors and macrophage status. These findings highlight the role of VIP in preventing fibro-inflammation, thereby preserving ovarian health and preventing premature aging.

PACAP regulates VPAC1 expression, inflammatory processes and lipid homeostasis in M1- and M2-macrophages

Background

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) acts as an anti-atherogenic neuropeptide and plays an important role in cytoprotective, as well as inflammatory processes, and cardiovascular regulation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the regulatory effects of PACAP and its receptor VPAC1 in relation to inflammatory processes and lipid homeostasis in different macrophage (MΦ) subtypes.

Methods

To investigate the role of PACAP deficiency in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis under standard chow (SC) or cholesterol-enriched diet (CED) in vivo, PACAP-/- mice were crossbred with ApoE-/- to generate PACAP-/-/ApoE-/- mice. Lumen stenosis in the aortic arch and different MΦ-subtypes were analyzed in atherosclerotic plaques by quantitative immunohistochemistry. Undifferentiated bone marrow-derived cells (BMDC) from 30-weeks-old ApoE-/- and PACAP-/-/ApoE-/- mice were isolated, differentiated into BMDM1- and BMDM2-MΦ, and incubated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). In addition, PMA-differentiated human THP-1 MΦ were further differentiated into M1-/M2-MΦ and subsequently treated with PACAP38, the VPAC1 agonist [(Ala11,22,28)VIP], the antagonist (PG 97-269), and/or oxLDL. Uptake/accumulation of oxLDL was analyzed by oxLDL-DyLight™488 and Bodipy™ 493/503. The mRNA expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR, protein levels by Western blot, and cytokine release by ELISA.

Results

In vivo, after 30 weeks of SC, PACAP-/-/ApoE-/- mice showed increased lumen stenosis compared with ApoE-/- mice. In atherosclerotic plaques of PACAP-/-/ApoE-/- mice under CED, immunoreactive areas of VPAC1, CD86, and CD163 were increased compared with ApoE-/- mice. In vitro, VPAC1 protein levels were increased in PACAP-/-/ApoE-/- BMDM compared with ApoE-/- BMDM, resulting in increased TNF-α mRNA expression in BMDM1-MΦ and decreased TNF-α release in BMDM2-MΦ. Concerning lipid homeostasis, PACAP deficiency decreased the area of lipid droplets in BMDM1-/M2-MΦ with concomitant increasing adipose differentiation-related protein level. In THP-1 M1-/M2-MΦ, the VPAC1 antagonist increased the uptake of oxLDL, whereas the VPAC1 agonist decreased the oxLDL-induced intracellular triglyceride content.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that PACAP via VPAC1 signaling plays an important regulatory role in inflammatory processes in atherosclerotic plaques and in lipid homeostasis in different MΦ-subtypes, thereby affecting foam cell formation. Therefore, VPAC1 agonists or PACAP may represent a new class of anti-atherogenic therapeutics.

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) Protects Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against Streptococcus agalatiae Infection

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a member of secretin/glucagon family, is involved in a variety of biological activities such as gut motility, immune responses, and carcinogenesis. In this study, the VIP precursor gene (On-VIP) and its receptor gene VIPR1 (On-VIPR1) were identified from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and the functions of On-VIP in the immunomodulation of Nile tilapia against bacterial infection were investigated and characterized. On-VIP and On-VIPR1 contain a 450 bp and a 1326 bp open reading frame encoding deduced protein of 149 and 441 amino acids, respectively. Simultaneously, the transcript of both On-VIP and On-VIPR1 were highly expressed in the intestine and sharply induced by Streptococcus agalatiae. Moreover, the positive signals of On-VIP and On-VIPR1 were detected in the longitudinal muscle layer and mucosal epithelium of intestine, respectively. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated several immune functions of On-VIP, including reduction of P65, P38, MyD88, STAT3, and AP1, upregulation of CREB and CBP, and suppression of inflammation. Additionally, in vivo experiments proved that On-VIP could protect Nile tilapia from bacterial infection and promote apoptosis and pyroptosis. These data lay a theoretical basis for further understanding of the mechanism of VIP guarding bony fish against bacterial infection.

Lipid oxidation in pathophysiology of atherosclerosis: Current understanding and therapeutic strategies

A marked increase in the global prevalence of ischemic heart disease demands focused research for novel and more effective therapeutic strategies. At present, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is the leading cause of the global incidence of heart attacks and a major contributor to many peripheral cardiac diseases. Decades of research have unearthed the complex and multidimensional pathophysiology of ACVD encompassing oxidative stress, redox imbalance, lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory signaling, hyperglycemic stress and diabetes mellitus, chronic low-grade inflammation and aging, immune dysregulation, vascular dysfunction, loss of hemostasis, thrombosis, and fluid shear stress. However, the scientific basis of therapeutic interventions using conventional understandings of the disease mechanisms has been subject to renewed scrutiny with novel findings in recent years. This critical review attempts to revise the pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerosis using a recent body of literature, with a focus on lipid metabolism and associated cellular and biochemical processes. The comprehensive study encompasses different molecular perspectives in the development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis. The review also summarizes currently prescribed small molecule therapeutics in inflammation and ACVD, and overviews prospective management measures under development including peptides and microRNA therapeutics. The study provides updated insights into the current knowledge of coronary atherosclerosis, and highlights the need for effective prevention, management and development of novel intervention approaches to overcome this chronic epidemic.

Cellular Phenotypic Transformation in Heart Failure Caused by Coronary Heart Disease and Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Delineating at Single-Cell Level

Heart failure (HF) is known as the final manifestation of cardiovascular diseases. Although cellular heterogeneity of the heart is well understood, the phenotypic transformation of cardiac cells in progress of HF remains obscure. This study aimed to analyze phenotypic transformation of cardiac cells in HF through human single-cell RNA transcriptome profile. Here, phenotypic transformation of cardiomyocytes (CMs), endothelial cells (ECs), and fibroblasts was identified by data analysis and animal experiments. Abnormal myosin subunits including the decrease in Myosin Heavy Chain 6, Myosin Light Chain 7 and the increase in Myosin Heavy Chain 7 were found in CMs. Two disease phenotypes of ECs named inflammatory ECs and muscularized ECs were identified. In addition, myofibroblast was increased in HF and highly associated with abnormal extracellular matrix. Our study proposed an integrated map of phenotypic transformation of cardiac cells and highlighted the intercellular communication in HF. This detailed definition of cellular transformation will facilitate cell-based mapping of novel interventional targets for the treatment of HF.

Rat plasma protein binding of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside from Lu'an GuaPian tea and its anti-inflammatory mechanism for cardiovascular protection

Previous study found a high content of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (KR) in Lu'an GuaPian tea, however, the rat plasma protein binding and mechanism of KR for cardiovascular protection are unclear. Thus, we studied plasma protein binding using ultrafiltration followed by UPLC, and screened its inhibition against LPS-induced inflammation injury in vitro as well as the underlying mechanism by molecular docking and western blot. KR showed over 74% plasma protein binding ratio. Furthermore, KR may act on the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). In vitro experiments showed that KR decreases the overexpression of TLR4, MyD88, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which further validates the molecular docking results, suggesting that KR could block TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. These results indicate that KR could be a potential active agent in the protection of myocardial injury. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Health benefits of tea are largely dependent on the intake of flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of compounds beneficial to cardiovascular disease and an important part of "functional foods." Lu'an GuaPian tea is mainly produced in Lu'an City, Anhui Province and is one of the top 10 famous teas in China. Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside in Lu'an GuaPian has good hypoglycemic effect, mainly manifested in a strong inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Present study showed that kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside could block TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling, suggesting that it could be a potential active agent in the protection of myocardial injury.

Investigating the mechanisms of Modified Xiaoyaosan (tiaogan-liqi prescription) in suppressing the progression of atherosclerosis, by means of integrative pharmacology and experimental validation

Atherosclerosis (AS)-related diseases remain among the leading causes of death worldwide. Modified Xiaoyaosan (also called Tiaogan-Liqi prescription, TGLQ), a traditional Chinese medical formulation, has been widely applied in the treatment of AS-related diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of TGLQ in acting on AS. A total of 548 chemical compounds contained in TGLQ, and 969 putative targets, were collected from the Computation Platform for Integrative Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, while 1005 therapeutic targets for the treatment of AS were obtained from the DisGeNET, TTD and CTD databases. Moreover, the 63 key targets were screened by the intersection of the targets above, and by network topological analysis. Further functional enrichment analysis showed that the key targets were significantly associated with regulation of the immune system and inflammation, improvement of lipid and glucose metabolism, regulation of the neuroendocrine system and anti-thrombosis effect. The in vivo experiments confirmed that TGLQ could reduce plasma lipid profiles and plasma inflammatory cytokines, and also inhibit AS plaque formation, within the AS model ApoE-/- mice. The in vitro experiments validated the hypothesis that TGLQ could significantly reduce intracellular lipid accumulation, suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines of macrophages induced by oxidized-LDL, and inhibit the protein expression of heat shock protein 90 and toll-like receptor 4. This study identified a list of key targets of TGLQ in the treatment of AS by applying an integrative pharmacology approach, which was validated by in vivo and in vitro experimentation.

VIP modulates human macrophages phenotype via FPRL1 via activation of RhoA-GTPase and PLC pathways

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

This study is aimed at uncovering the signaling pathways activated by vasoactive intestinal peptide in human macrophages MATERIALS: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived macrophages were used for the in vitro investigation of the VIP-activated signaling pathways.

METHODS AND TREATMENT

Time-course and dose-response experiments and siRNA were used in human macrophages co-challenged with various concentrations of VIP and different MAPK pharmacologic inhibitors to investigate signaling pathways activated by VIP. Flow analysis was performed to assess the levels of CD11b, CD35 and CD66. Luminescence spectrometry was used to measure the levels of the released hydrogen peroxide and the intracellular calcium levels in the media.

RESULTS

Macrophages incubated with VIP showed increased phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK1/2 levels in a GTP-RhoA-GTPase-dependent manner. Similarly, VIP increased intracellular release of H₂O₂ and calcium via PLC and GTP-RhoA-GTPase, in addition to inducing the expression of CD11b, CD35, CD66 and MMP9. Furthermore, VIP activated P38 MAPK through the cAMP/PKA pathway but was independent of both PLC and RhoA signaling. The above-mentioned VIP effects were mediated via activation of the FPRL1 receptor.

CONCLUSION

VIP/FPRL1/VPAC/GTP-RhoA-GTPase signaling modulated macrophages phenotype through activation of multiple signaling pathways including ERK1/2, AKT, P38, ROS, cAMP and calcium.

Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide in the Carotid Body-A History of Forty Years of Research. A Mini Review

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) consists of 28 amino acid residues and is widespread in many internal organs and systems. Its presence has also been found in the nervous structures supplying the carotid body not only in mammals but also in birds and amphibians. The number and distribution of VIP in the carotid body clearly depends on the animal species studied; however, among all the species, this neuropeptide is present in nerve fibers around blood vessels and between glomus cell clusters. It is also known that the number of nerves containing VIP located in the carotid body may change under various pathological and physiological factors. The knowledge concerning the functioning of VIP in the carotid body is relatively limited. It is known that VIP may impact the glomus type I cells, causing changes in their spontaneous discharge, but the main impact of VIP on the carotid body is probably connected with the vasodilatory effects of this peptide and its influence on blood flow and oxygen delivery. This review is a concise summary of forty years of research concerning the distribution of VIP in the carotid body.

PAC1 deficiency attenuates progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice under cholesterol-enriched diet

The neuropeptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is vasoactive and cytoprotective and exerts immunoregulatory functions throughout the nervous, neuroendocrine cardiovascular and immune systems in health and disease. PACAP mainly acts through PAC1 receptor signaling in neuronal communication, but the role of PAC1 in immune regulation of atherosclerosis is not known. Here, we generated PAC1^-/-/ApoE^-/- mice to test, whether PAC1^-/- influences plasma cholesterol-/triglyceride levels and/or atherogenesis in the brachiocephalic trunk (BT) seen in ApoE^-/- mice, under standard chow (SC) or cholesterol-enriched diet (CED). Furthermore, the effect of PAC1^-/-, on inflammatory, autophagy-, apoptosis- and necroptosis-relevant proteins in atherosclerotic plaques was determined. In plaques of PAC1^-/-/ApoE^-/- mice fed a SC, the immunoreactivity for apoptotic, autophagic, necroptotic and proinflammatory proteins was increased, however, proliferation was unaffected. Interestingly, without affecting hyperlipidemia, PAC1^-/- in ApoE^-/- mice remarkably reduced CED-induced lumen stenosis seen in ApoE^-/- mice. Thus, PAC1^-/- allows unchecked inflammation, necroptosis and decreased proliferation during SC, apparently priming the BT to develop reduced atheroma under subsequent CED. Remarkably, no differences in inflammation/necroptosis signatures in the atheroma under CED between PAC1^-/-/ApoE^-/- and ApoE^-/- mice were observed. These data indicate that selective PAC1 antagonists should offer potential as a novel class of atheroprotective therapeutics, especially during hypercholesterolemia.

A Clinical Approach for the Use of VIP Axis in Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

The neuroendocrine and immune systems are coordinated to maintain the homeostasis of the organism, generating bidirectional communication through shared mediators and receptors. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is the paradigm of an endogenous neuropeptide produced by neurons and endocrine and immune cells, involved in the control of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Exogenous administration of VIP exerts therapeutic effects in models of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors (VPAC1 and VPAC2). Currently, there are no curative therapies for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and patients present complex diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic problems in daily clinical practice due to their heterogeneous nature. This review focuses on the biology of VIP and VIP receptor signaling, as well as its protective effects as an immunomodulatory factor. Recent progress in improving the stability, selectivity, and effectiveness of VIP/receptors analogues and new routes of administration are highlighted, as well as important advances in their use as biomarkers, contributing to their potential application in precision medicine. On the 50th anniversary of VIP's discovery, this review presents a spectrum of potential clinical benefits applied to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Astragaloside IV Alleviates the Myocardial Damage Induced by Lipopolysaccharide via the Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB)/Proliferator-Activated Receptor α (PPARα) Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND We previously reported that astragaloside IV (As-IV) can alleviate myocardial damage induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the anti-inflammatory effects of As-IV following LPS stimulation in mice and H9C2 cardiomyocytes remain unclear. The present study was designed to explore the mechanism of action of As-IV. MATERIAL AND METHODS In vivo, C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, the LPS group (10 mg/kg), and 3 LPS groups receiving different doses of As-IV (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). The protective effect of As-IV on LPS-stimulated H9C2 cardiomyocytes was evaluated in vitro. Cardiac function was detected by echocardiography, and H&E staining was used to evaluate morphologic changes. Cardiomyocyte viability was detected by MTT assay. ELISA was used to detect free fatty acid (FFA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels in mouse serum and in cell supernatant. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) contents in myocardial tissues and cells were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. ATP5D and TLR4/NF-kappaB/PPARalpha signaling pathway proteins (TLR4, NF-kappaB, p65, and PPARalpha) were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS As-IV significantly improved cardiac function, myocardial cell viability, and pathological changes and reduced FFA, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels. The ATP/AMP ratio in the cardiac tissues of mice and in H9C2 cardiomyocytes was increased compared to that in the LPS group. In addition, As-IV enhanced ATP synthase and PPARalpha protein expression. In H9C2 cardiomyocytes, the p65-specific inhibitor BAY11-7082 exerted similar effects as As-IV. CONCLUSIONS As-IV alleviates LPS-induced myocardial damage by modulating TLR4/NF-kappaB/PPARalpha signaling-mediated energy biosynthesis.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide ameliorates renal injury in a pristane-induced lupus mouse model by modulating Th17/Treg balance

BACKGROUND

Lupus nephritis (LN) is an inflammation of the kidneys and is a major cause of mortality in systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) patients. In addition, Th17/Treg balance is one of the most important factors that can promote the development of LN. It has been reported that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is associated with the downregulation of both inflammatory and autoimmune diseases through regulating T lymphocyte balance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of VIP in modulating Th17/Treg balance in LN.

METHODS

LN was induced in BALB/c female mice by injection pristane. After 3 months, mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, VIP + control, LN and VIP + LN. Autoantibody levels were tested by ELISA. The distribution of Th17/Treg cells in vivo and in vitro was detected by FC. Renal tissues were examined by PASM and DIF for pathology and Foxp3+CD3+. The mRNA and protein expression levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

VIP can improve renal injury by regulating Th17/Treg imbalance in LN mice. Proteinuria, renal function defects and autoantibodies were significantly decreased, and Th17/Treg cell balance was restored in VIP compared with LN mice. In addition, VIP improved renal lesions by promoting the expression of Foxp3+CD3+ in renal tissue. Furthermore, VIP downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of IL-17, IL-6 and upregulated Foxp3, IL-10 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

VIP reduced LN proteinuria and renal function defects and restored the Th17/Treg cell balance. Furthermore, VIP also downregulated autoantibody and inflammatory cytokine expression and upregulated Foxp3 and IL-10 expression.

PACAP deficiency aggravates atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) plays an important role in cytoprotection, inflammation and cardiovascular regulation. Thus, we studied the involvement of PACAP in atherogenesis. Differentiated human THP-1 macrophages (MΦ) were stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) and the influence of PACAP38 treatment on lipid content and TNF release was determined. To test the effect of PACAP deficiency (PACAP^-/-) on the development of atherosclerosis under standard chow (SC) or cholesterol-enriched diet (CED) in vivo, PACAP^-/- mice were crossbred with ApoE^-/- to generate PACAP^-/-/ApoE^-/- mice. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels were quantified. Lumen stenosis in the brachiocephalic trunk, cellularity and amounts of pro-inflammatory as well as autophagy-, apoptosis- and necroptosis-relevant proteins were analysed in atherosclerotic plaques by quantitative immunohistochemistry. In vitro, PACAP38 inhibited oxLDL-induced intracellular lipid storage as well as TNF release in MФ. In vivo, after SC, but not under CED, PACAP^-/-/ApoE^-/- mice showed an increased lumen stenosis compared to ApoE^-/- mice. In atherosclerotic plaques of PACAP^-/-/ApoE^-/- mice, the immunoreactive areas of TNF⁺, IL-1β⁺, autophagic, apoptotic and necroptotic cells were increased. In contrast, the overall cell density was decreased compared to ApoE^-/- under SC, while no differences were seen under CED. Similar plasma cholesterol levels were observed in PACAP^-/-/ApoE^-/- and ApoE^-/- mice under the respective feeding regime. Thus, PACAP^-/-/ApoE^-/- mice represent a novel mouse model of accelerated atherosclerosis where CED is not required. Our data indicate that PACAP acts as an endogenous atheroprotective neuropeptide. Thus, stable PACAP agonists may have potential as anti-atherosclerotic therapeutics. The specific PACAP receptor(s) mediating atheroprotection remain(s) to be identified.

The more critical murderer of atherosclerosis than lipid metabolism: chronic stress

BACKGROUND

The mortality of atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease is on the rise, and changes in intimal and media thickness are a leading cause of cerebral ischemia-related death. Levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), total cholesterol (TC), and chronic stress (CS) are all recognized risk factors for atherosclerosis (AS). However, the leading independent risk factor is indistinct. This study explored the effects of chronic stress, LDLC, and TC on AS and intimal and media thickness, preliminarily explored the main risk factor of AS, and analyzed the related histocyte mechanisms for macrophages and endothelial cells.

METHODS

Conditions include normal, high-fat diet (HF), and HF plus CS. The correlations between intimal and media thickness and general risk factors were analyzed using χ2, Spearman's rho test, and multiple linear regression. Univariate Cox regression was used to identify potential factors that affect the non-depression time (NDT). We performed a ROC curve to determine the ability of this condition to predict the thickness. Immunohistochemistry was implemented to detect macrophagocytes and endotheliocytes.

RESULTS

Based on χ2 and Spearman's rho test, LDLC, TC, and CS are all related with intimal and media thickness (P < 0.05). However, in multiple linear regression, CS is still a risk factor of thickness (P < 0.05) but LDLC and TC are not. High levels of LDLC, TC, and CS were correlated with poor NDT (P < 0.05). This condition can predict the thickness sensitively. The endarterium is richest in macrophagocytes, and the arrangement of endotheliocytes is disordered and cracked under CS.

CONCLUSION

CS is the main independent risk factor for AS and intimal (and media) thickness, rather than LDLC or TC.