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Wu Y, Xu Y, Xu L. Pharmacological therapy targeting the immune response in atherosclerosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 141:112974. [PMID: 39168023 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that consist of numerous cells including smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and foam cells. The most abundant innate and adaptive immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, B cells, and T cells, play a pivotal role in the inflammatory response, lipoprotein metabolism, and foam cell formation to accelerate atherosclerotic plaque formation. In this review, we have discussed the underlying mechanisms of activated immune cells in promoting AS and reviewed published clinical trials for the treatment of AS by suppressing immune cell activation. We have also presented some crucial shortcomings of current clinical trials. Lastly, we have discussed the therapeutic potential of novel compounds, including herbal medicine and dietary food, in alleviating AS in animals. Despite these limitations, further clinical trials and experimental studies will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms modulated by immune cells and promote widespread drug use to treat AS by suppressing immune system-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirong Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, 310006 Zhejiang, China
| | - Yizhou Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, 310006 Zhejiang, China.
| | - Linhao Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, 310006 Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Translational Medicine Research Center, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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2
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Alomair BM, Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Alshammari MA, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Saad HM, Batiha GES. Increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) as a possible risk factor for atherosclerosis in subclinical hypothyroidism. Thyroid Res 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38880884 PMCID: PMC11181570 DOI: 10.1186/s13044-024-00199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary hypothyroidism (PHT) is associated with an increased risk for the development of atherosclerosis (AS) and other cardiovascular disorders. PHT induces atherosclerosis (AS) through the induction of endothelial dysfunction, and insulin resistance (IR). PHT promotes vasoconstriction and the development of hypertension. However, patients with subclinical PHT with normal thyroid hormones (THs) are also at risk for cardiovascular complications. In subclinical PHT, increasing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels could be one of the causative factors intricate in the progression of cardiovascular complications including AS. Nevertheless, the mechanistic role of PHT in AS has not been fully clarified in relation to increased TSH. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the association between increased TSH and AS, and how increased TSH may be involved in the pathogenesis of AS. In addition, we also discuss how L-thyroxine treatment affects the development of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basil Mohammed Alomair
- Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakakah, 04631, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Majed Ayed Alshammari
- Department of Medicine, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Medical City, Al Jouf-Sakkaka, 42421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway, Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Research & Development, Funogen, Athens, Greece
- Department of Research & Development, AFNP Med, Vienna, 1030, Austria
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, 2770, NSW, Australia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, Wuppertal, 42283, Germany.
| | - Hebatallah M Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Marsa Matruh, 51744, Egypt.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt.
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Li L, Ge C, Wang D, Yu L, Zhao J, Ma H. Dehydroepiandrosterone reduces accumulation of lipid droplets in primary chicken hepatocytes by biotransformation mediated via the cAMP/PKA-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2018; 1863:625-638. [PMID: 29571766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is commonly used as a nutritional supplement to control fat deposition, but the mechanism of this action is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that DHEA increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK). Elevated p-AMPK levels resulted in reduced expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, acetyl CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and enhanced expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-I, ultimately leading to the reduction of lipid droplet accumulation in primary chicken hepatocytes. We found that DHEA activates the cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate/protein kinase A - extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (cAMP/PKA-ERK1/2) signaling pathway, which regulates the conversion of DHEA into testosterone and estradiol by increasing the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and aromatase protein expression. Importantly, the fat-reducing effects of DHEA are more closely associated with the conversion of DHEA into estradiol than with the action of DHEA itself as an active biomolecule, or to its alternative metabolite, testosterone. Taken together, our results indicate that DHEA is converted into active hormones through activation of the cAMP/PKA-ERK1/2 signaling pathway; the fat-reducing effects of DHEA are achieved through its conversion into estradiol, not testosterone, and not through direct action of DHEA itself, which led to the activation of the p-AMPK in primary chicken hepatocytes. These data provide novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the action of DHEA in preventing fat deposition, and suggest potential applications for DHEA treatment to control fat deposition or as an agent to treat disorders related to lipid metabolism in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongyang Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Dian Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlong Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitian Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Takov K, Wu J, Denvir MA, Smith LB, Hadoke PWF. The role of androgen receptors in atherosclerosis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 465:82-91. [PMID: 29024781 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Male disadvantage in cardiovascular health is well recognised. However, the influence of androgens on atherosclerosis, one of the major causes of many life-threatening cardiovascular events, is not well understood. With the dramatic increase in clinical prescription of testosterone in the past decade, concerns about the cardiovascular side-effects of androgen supplementation or androgen deprivation therapy are increasing. Potential atheroprotective effects of testosterone could be secondary to (aromatase-mediated) conversion into oestradiol or, alternatively, to direct activation of androgen receptors (AR). Recent development of animal models with cell-specific AR knockout has indicated a complex role for androgen action in atherosclerosis. Most studies suggest androgens are atheroprotective but the precise role of AR remains unclear. Increased use of AR knockout models should clarify the role of AR in atherogenesis and, thus, lead to exploitation of this pathway as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaloyan Takov
- University/ BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Junxi Wu
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK; University/ BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Martin A Denvir
- University/ BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK; School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Patrick W F Hadoke
- University/ BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Aoki K, Terauchi Y. Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 108:355-365. [PMID: 30029734 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by an impaired capacity to secrete insulin, insulin resistance, or both. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, has been reported to have beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus and obesity in animal models. DHEA and DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S) have been reported to increase not only insulin secretion of the pancreas but also insulin sensitivity of the liver, adipose tissue, and muscle. We investigated the effects of DHEA on glucose metabolism in animal models and reported decrease of liver gluconeogenesis. Recently, we reported the effect of DHEA on the liver and muscle by using insulin-stimulated insulin receptor substrate 1 and 2 (IRS1 and IRS2)-deficient mice. DHEA increased Akt phosphorylation in the liver of C57BL6 IRS1- and IRS2-deficient mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), which suggests that the increase in DHEA-induced Akt signaling is sufficient in the presence of IRS1 or IRS2. In addition, other studies have also reported the effect of DHEA on diabetes mellitus in the liver, muscle, adipose tissue, and pancreatic β-cell and its effect on obesity in animal models. A meta-analysis in elderly men and women has found that DHEA supplementation has no effects on blood glucose levels. However, DHEA supplementation to patients with type 2 diabetes has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, further studies are needed to provide greater insight into the effect of DHEA on diabetes and obesity in animal and human models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutaka Aoki
- Internal Medicine, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan; Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - Yasuo Terauchi
- Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
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Aoki K, Tajima K, Taguri M, Terauchi Y. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on Akt and protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) phosphorylation in different tissues of C57BL6, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)1(-/-), and IRS2(-/-) male mice fed a high-fat diet. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 159:110-20. [PMID: 26976654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) suppresses the activity and mRNA expression of the hepatic gluconeogenic enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), and hepatic glucose production in db/db mice. Tyrosine phosphorylation levels of Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)1 and IRS2 reportedly differ between the liver and muscle tissue and the effect of DHEA on insulin signaling has not been elucidated. Therefore, we examined DHEA's effect on the liver and muscle tissue of IRS1(-/-) and IRS2(-/-) mice. Eight-week-old male C57BL6, IRS1(-/-), and IRS2(-/-) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD), or an HFD containing 0.2% DHEA for 4 weeks. In a separate experiment, 8-week-old male C57BL6 mice were fed an HFD or an HFD containing 0.2% androstenedione for 4 weeks. In an insulin tolerance test, DHEA administration decreased the initial plasma glucose levels in the C57BL6, IRS1(-/-), and IRS2(-/-) mice but did not decrease the ratios to the basal blood glucose level. Although DHEA administration increased Akt phosphorylation in the liver of the C57BL6, IRS1(-/-), and IRS2(-/-) mice, androstenedione administration did not increase Akt phosphorylation in the liver of C57BL6 mice. DHEA administration did not increase Akt and PKCζ phosphorylation in the muscle tissue of C57BL6, IRS1(-/-), or IRS2(-/-) mice. However, androstenedione administration increased Akt and PKCζ phosphorylation in the muscle tissue of C57BL6 mice. These findings suggest that the effect of DHEA on insulin action in the liver is self-mediated by DHEA or DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) in the presence of IRS1, IRS2, or both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutaka Aoki
- Department of Biostatistics, Yokohama City University Hospital, Japan; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tajima
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masataka Taguri
- Department of Biostatistics, Yokohama City University Hospital, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terauchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
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Lee MJ, Kim EH, Lee SA, Kang YM, Jung CH, Yoon HK, Seol SM, Lee YL, Lee WJ, Park JY. Dehydroepiandrosterone prevents linoleic acid-induced endothelial cell senescence by increasing autophagy. Metabolism 2015; 64:1134-45. [PMID: 26051603 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy has emerged as a potentially important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal steroid of great recent interest due to its anti-aging and anti-atherogenic effects; however, little is known about its role in autophagy and endothelial senescence. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether DHEA prevents linoleic acid (LA)-induced endothelial senescence by enhancing autophagy. MATERIALS/METHODS After pre-treatement with or without DHEA prior to LA treatment in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), the level of senescence was compared by senescence-associated acidic β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining and hyperphosphorylated pRB (ppRB) protein level. Autophagy was detected by LC3 conversion and measuring the level of p62/SQSTM1 (sequestosome 1), a protein degraded by autophagy. The fusion of autophagosome and lysosome was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS Pre-treatment with DHEA inhibited LA-induced endothelial senescence. DHEA increased the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and decreased the level of p62 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Although both DHEA and LA treatment increased the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, treatment of LA increased p62 and decreased fusion of autophagosome and lysosome, which reflected decreased autophagic flux. However, pre-treatment with DHEA restored autophagic flux inhibited by LA. When we evaluated signaling pathways, we found that JNK activation involved in LC3 conversion induced by DHEA. CONCLUSION DHEA prevents LA-induced endothelial senescence by restoring autophagy and autophagic flux through JNK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hee Kim
- Department of Health Screening and Promotion Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Ah Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju National School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Mi Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hee Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Kyeong Yoon
- Asan Institute of Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Mi Seol
- Asan Institute of Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo La Lee
- Asan Institute of Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Je Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joong-Yeol Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Fokidis HB, Adomat HH, Kharmate G, Hosseini-Beheshti E, Guns ES, Soma KK. Regulation of local steroidogenesis in the brain and in prostate cancer: lessons learned from interdisciplinary collaboration. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:108-29. [PMID: 25223867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids play critical roles in the regulation of the brain and many other organs. Traditionally, researchers have focused on sex steroid signaling that involves travel from the gonads via the circulation to intracellular receptors in target tissues. This classic concept has been challenged, however, by the growing number of cases in which steroids are synthesized locally and act locally within diverse tissues. For example, the brain and prostate carcinoma were previously considered targets of gonadal sex steroids, but under certain circumstances, these tissues can upregulate their steroidogenic potential, particularly when circulating sex steroid concentrations are low. We review some of the similarities and differences between local sex steroid synthesis in the brain and prostate cancer. We also share five lessons that we have learned during the course of our interdisciplinary collaboration, which brought together neuroendocrinologists and cancer biologists. These lessons have important implications for future research in both fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bobby Fokidis
- Department of Biology, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL 37289, USA; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Hans H Adomat
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | | | | | - Emma S Guns
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; Department of Urological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Suzuki T, Yano Y, Sakamoto M, Uemura M, Yasuma T, Onishi Y, Sasaki R, Matsumoto K, Hayashi T, Maruyama-Furuta N, Akatsuka H, Gabazza EC, Sumida Y, Takei Y. Correlation of circulating dehydroepiandrosterone with activated protein C generation and carotid intima-media thickness in male patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabet Med 2012; 29:e41-6. [PMID: 22248365 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2012.03573.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Dehydroepiandrosterone exerts a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship of dehydroepiandrosterone with the anticoagulant factor activated protein C, generated by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex on vascular endothelial cells, remains unknown. This study aimed at studying the relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone and activated protein C generation in patients with Type 2 diabetes. METHODS Sixty-two male patients with Type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this study. Data obtained from 40 healthy male subjects were used as controls. The plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, the activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were measured by enzyme immunoassays. Carotid intima-media thickness was measured by ultrasonography. RESULTS The plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (5.15 ± 2.81 vs. 3.76 ± 2.16 ng/ml; P < 0.005) and the activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex (1.90 ± 1.07 vs. 1.02 ± 0.51 ng/ml; P < 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with diabetes than in normal subjects. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation of the plasma level of dehydroepiandrosterone with that of the activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex (r = 0.48, P < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = -0.30, P < 0.05) and with the mean intima-media thickness (r = -0.28, P < 0.05) in patients with diabetes. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the plasma level of dehydroepiandrosterone is significantly correlated with the plasma levels of the activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex (F = 18.06) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (F = 4.94). There was no correlation between the plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that lower circulating levels of dehydroepiandrosterone are associated with decreased activated protein C generation and higher intima-media thickness in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Suzuki
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
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Dual use of amphiphilic macromolecules as cholesterol efflux triggers and inhibitors of macrophage athero-inflammation. Biomaterials 2011; 32:8319-27. [PMID: 21816466 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Activated vascular wall macrophages can rapidly internalize modified lipoproteins and escalate the growth of atherosclerotic plaques. This article proposes a biomaterials-based therapeutic intervention for depletion of non-regulated cholesterol accumulation and inhibition of inflammation of macrophages. Macromolecules with high scavenger receptor (SR)-binding activity were investigated for SR-mediated delivery of agonists to cholesterol-trafficking nuclear liver-X receptors. From a diverse feature space of a family of amphiphilic macromolecules of linear and aromatic mucic acid backbones modified with varied aliphatic chains and conjugated with differentially branched poly(ethylene glycol), a key molecule (carboxyl-terminated, C12-derivatized, linear mucic acid backbone) was selected for its ability to preferentially bind scavenger receptor A (SR-A) as the key target. At a basal level, this macromolecule suppressed the pro-inflammatory signaling of activated THP-1 macrophages while competitively lowering oxLDL uptake in vitro through scavenger receptor SRA-1 targeting. To further deplete intracellular cholesterol, the core macromolecule structure was exploited to solubilize a hydrophobic small molecule agonist for nuclear Liver-X Receptors, which regulate the efflux of intracellular cholesterol. The macromolecule-encapsulated agonist system was found to reduce oxLDL accumulation by 88% in vitro in comparison to controls. in vivo studies were designed to release the macromolecules (with or without encapsulated agonist) to injured carotid arteries within Sprague Dawley rats fed a high fat diet, conditions that yield enhanced cholesterol accumulation and macrophage recruitment. The macromolecules lowered intimal levels of accumulated cholesterol (50% for macromolecule alone; 70% for macromolecule-encapsulated agonist) and inhibited macrophage retention (92% for macromolecule; 96% for macromolecule-encapsulated agonist; 4 days) relative to non-treated controls. Thus, this study highlights the promise of designing bioactive macromolecule therapeutics based on scavenger receptor targeting, for potential management of vascular arterial disease.
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Yoshida S, Aihara KI, Azuma H, Uemoto R, Sumitomo-Ueda Y, Yagi S, Ikeda Y, Iwase T, Nishio S, Kawano H, Miki J, Yamada H, Hirata Y, Akaike M, Sata M, Matsumoto T. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is inversely associated with sex-dependent diverse carotid atherosclerosis regardless of endothelial function. Atherosclerosis 2010; 212:310-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Revised: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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