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Cafora M, Rovelli S, Cattaneo A, Pistocchi A, Ferrari L. Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter exposure impairs innate immune and inflammatory responses to a pathogen stimulus: A functional study in the zebrafish model. Environ Pollut 2024; 348:123841. [PMID: 38521398 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with the activation of adverse inflammatory responses, increasing the risk of developing acute respiratory diseases, such as those caused by pathogen infections. However, the functional mechanisms underlying this evidence remain unclear. In the present study, we generated a zebrafish model of short-term exposure to a specific PM2.5, collected in the northern metropolitan area of Milan, Italy. First, we assessed the immunomodulatory effects of short-term PM2.5 exposure and observed that it elicited pro-inflammatory effects by inducing the expression of cytokines and triggering hyper-activation of both neutrophil and macrophage cell populations. Moreover, we examined the impact of a secondary infectious pro-inflammatory stimulus induced through the injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (Pa-LPS) molecules after exposure to short-term PM2.5. In this model, we demonstrated that the innate immune response was less responsive to a second pro-inflammatory infectious stimulus. Indeed, larvae exhibited dampened leukocyte activation and impaired production of reactive oxygen species. The obtained results indicate that short-term PM2.5 exposure alters the immune microenvironment and affects the inflammatory processes, thus potentially weakening the resistance to pathogen infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cafora
- EPIGET LAB, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rovelli
- RAHH LAB, Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- RAHH LAB, Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Anna Pistocchi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Ferrari
- EPIGET LAB, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Unit of Occupational Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Rizzuto AS, Gelpi G, Mangini A, Carugo S, Ruscica M, Macchi C. Exploring the role of epicardial adipose-tissue-derived extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular diseases. iScience 2024; 27:109359. [PMID: 38510143 PMCID: PMC10951984 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a fat depot located between the myocardium and the visceral layer of the epicardium, which, owing to its location, can influence surrounding tissues and can act as a local transducer of systemic inflammation. The mechanisms upon which such influence depends on are however unclear. Given the role EAT undoubtedly has in the scheme of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), understanding the impact of its cellular components is of upmost importance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute promising candidates to fill the gap in the knowledge concerning the unexplored mechanisms through which EAT promotes onset and progression of CVDs. Owing to their ability of transporting active biomolecules, EAT-derived EVs have been reported to be actively involved in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury, coronary atherosclerosis, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Exploring the precise functions EVs exert in this context may aid in connecting the dots between EAT and CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guido Gelpi
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Mangini
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Carugo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Lee JH, Shores KL, Breithaupt JJ, Lee CS, Fodera DM, Kwon JB, Ettyreddy AR, Myers KM, Evison BJ, Suchowerska AK, Gersbach CA, Leong KW, Truskey GA. PCSK9 activation promotes early atherosclerosis in a vascular microphysiological system. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046103. [PMID: 37854060 PMCID: PMC10581720 DOI: 10.1063/5.0167440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a primary precursor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. While proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) contributes to CVD by degrading low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) and altering lipid metabolism, PCSK9 also influences vascular inflammation, further promoting atherosclerosis. Here, we utilized a vascular microphysiological system to test the effect of PCSK9 activation or repression on the initiation of atherosclerosis and to screen the efficacy of a small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor. We have generated PCSK9 over-expressed (P+) or repressed (P-) human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and further differentiated them to smooth muscle cells (viSMCs) or endothelial cells (viECs). Tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) made from P+ viSMCs and viECs resulted in increased monocyte adhesion compared to the wild type (WT) or P- equivalents when treated with enzyme-modified LDL (eLDL) and TNF-α. We also found significant viEC dysfunction, such as increased secretion of VCAM-1, TNF-α, and IL-6, in P+ viECs treated with eLDL and TNF-α. A small molecule compound, NYX-1492, that was originally designed to block PCSK9 binding with the LDLR was tested in TEBVs to determine its effect on lowering PCSK9-induced inflammation. The compound reduced monocyte adhesion in P+ TEBVs with evidence of lowering secretion of VCAM-1 and TNF-α. These results suggest that PCSK9 inhibition may decrease vascular inflammation in addition to lowering plasma LDL levels, enhancing its anti-atherosclerotic effects, particularly in patients with elevated chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jounghyun H. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Kevin L. Shores
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jason J. Breithaupt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Caleb S. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Daniella M. Fodera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Kristin M. Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - George A. Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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Sun C, Zhu G, Shen C, Huang S, Li R, Li J, Ma Z, Wang Z. Identification and validation of PCSK9 as a prognostic and immune-related influencing factor in tumorigenesis: a pan-cancer analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1134063. [PMID: 37860186 PMCID: PMC10584329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1134063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK9) has been primarily studied in the cardiovascular field however, its role in cancer pathophysiology remains incompletely defined. Recently, a pivotal role for PCSK9 in cancer immunotherapy was proposed based on the finding that PCSK9 inhibition was associated with enhancing the antigen presentation efficacy of target programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Herein, we provide results of a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of PCSK9 that assessed its prognostic and immunological functions in cancer. Methods Using a variety of available online cancer-related databases including TIMER, cBioPortal, and GEPIA, we identified the abnormal expression of PCSK9 and its potential clinical associations in diverse cancer types including liver, brain and lung. We also validated its role in progression-free survival (PFS) and immune infiltration in neuroblastoma. Results Overall, the pan-cancer survival analysis revealed an association between dysregulated PCSK9 and poor clinical outcomes in various cancer types. Specifically, PCSK9 was extensively genetically altered across most cancer types and was consistently found in different tumor types and substages when compared with adjacent normal tissues. Thus, aberrant DNA methylation may be responsible for PCSK9 expression in many cancer types. Focusing on liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), we found that PCSK9 expression correlated with clinicopathological characteristics following stratified prognostic analyses. PCSK9 expression was significantly associated with immune infiltrate since specific markers of CD8+ T cells, macrophage polarization, and exhausted T cells exhibited different PCSK9-related immune infiltration patterns in LIHC and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, PCSK9 was connected with resistance of drugs such as erlotinib and docetaxel. Finally, we validated PCSK9 expression in clinical neuroblastoma samples and concluded that PCSK9 appeared to correlate with a poor PFS and natural killer cell infiltration in neuroblastoma patients. Conclusion PCSK9 could serve as a robust prognostic pan-cancer biomarker given its correlation with immune infiltrates in different cancer types, thus potentially highlighting a new direction for targeted clinical therapy of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoji Zhu
- Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Conghuan Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shungen Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruidong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Gianazza E, Macchi C, Banfi C, Ruscica M. Proteomics and Lipidomics to unveil the contribution of PCSK9 beyond cholesterol lowering: a narrative review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1191303. [PMID: 37378405 PMCID: PMC10291627 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1191303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key regulators of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), can play a direct role in atheroma development. Although advances in the understandings of genetic PCSK9 polymorphisms have enabled to reveal the role of PCSK9 in the complex pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), increasing lines of evidence support non-cholesterol-related processes mediated by PCSK9. Owing to major improvements in mass spectrometry-based technologies, multimarker proteomic and lipidomic panels hold the promise to identify novel lipids and proteins potentially related to PCSK9. Within this context, this narrative review aims to provide an overview of the most significant proteomics and lipidomics studies related to PCSK9 effects beyond cholesterol lowering. These approaches have enabled to unveil non-common targets of PCSK9, potentially leading to the development of novel statistical models for CVD risk prediction. Finally, in the era of precision medicine, we have reported the impact of PCSK9 on extracellular vesicles (EVs) composition, an effect that could contribute to an increased prothrombotic status in CVD patients. The possibility to modulate EVs release and cargo could help counteract the development and progression of the atherosclerotic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Gianazza
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Banfi
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Macchi C, Sirtori CR, Corsini A, Mannuccio Mannucci P, Ruscica M. Pollution from fine particulate matter and atherosclerosis: A narrative review. Environ Int 2023; 175:107923. [PMID: 37119653 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
According to the WHO, the entire global population is exposed to air pollution levels higher than recommended for health preservation. Air pollution is a complex mixture of nano- to micro-sized particles and gaseous components that poses a major global threat to public health. Among the most important air pollutants, causal associations have been established between particulate matter (PM), mainly < 2.5 μm, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), i.e., hypertension, coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias as well as total cardiovascular mortality. Aim of this narrative review is to describe and critically discuss the proatherogenic effects of PM2.5 that have been attributed to many direct or indirect effects comprising endothelial dysfunction, a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, increased production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of metalloproteases, all leading to unstable arterial plaques. Higher concentrations of air pollutants are associated with the presence of vulnerable plaques and plaque ruptures witnessing coronary artery instability. Air pollution is often disregarded as a CVD risk factor, in spite of the fact that it is one of the main modifiable factors relevant for prevention and management of CVD. Thus, not only structural actions should be taken in order to mitigate emissions, but health professionals should also take care to counsel patients on the risks of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Mannuccio Mannucci
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy.
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Lampsas S, Xenou M, Oikonomou E, Pantelidis P, Lysandrou A, Sarantos S, Goliopoulou A, Kalogeras K, Tsigkou V, Kalpis A, Paschou SA, Theofilis P, Vavuranakis M, Tousoulis D, Siasos G. Lipoprotein(a) in Atherosclerotic Diseases: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis and Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28. [PMID: 36770634 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28030969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol-like particle bound to apolipoprotein(a). Increased Lp(a) levels are an independent, heritable causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) as they are largely determined by variations in the Lp(a) gene (LPA) locus encoding apo(a). Lp(a) is the preferential lipoprotein carrier for oxidized phospholipids (OxPL), and its role adversely affects vascular inflammation, atherosclerotic lesions, endothelial function and thrombogenicity, which pathophysiologically leads to cardiovascular (CV) events. Despite this crucial role of Lp(a), its measurement lacks a globally unified method, and, between different laboratories, results need standardization. Standard antilipidemic therapies, such as statins, fibrates and ezetimibe, have a mediocre effect on Lp(a) levels, although it is not yet clear whether such treatments can affect CV events and prognosis. This narrative review aims to summarize knowledge regarding the mechanisms mediating the effect of Lp(a) on inflammation, atherosclerosis and thrombosis and discuss current diagnostic and therapeutic potentials.
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Gualtierotti R, Ruscica M. Editorial: The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets of atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1127693. [PMID: 36704475 PMCID: PMC9872130 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1127693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gualtierotti
- Fondazione Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, S.C. Medicina - Emostasi e Trombosi, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Exosomes are biological small spherical lipid bilayer vesicles secreted by most cells in the body. Their contents include nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Exosomes can transfer material molecules between cells and consequently have a variety of biological functions, participating in disease development while exhibiting potential value as biomarkers and therapeutics. Growing evidence suggests that exosomes are vital mediators of vascular remodeling. Endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), inflammatory cells, and adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) can communicate through exosomes; such communication is associated with inflammatory responses, cell migration and proliferation, and cell metabolism, leading to changes in vascular function and structure. Essential hypertension (EH), atherosclerosis (AS), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are the most common vascular diseases and are associated with significant vascular remodeling. This paper reviews the latest research progress on the involvement of exosomes in vascular remodeling through intercellular information exchange and provides new ideas for understanding related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ren
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Honggang Zhang
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Honggang Zhang,
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