Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. M. Moerman, S. Korteland, K. Dilba, K. van Gaalen, D. H. J. Poot, A. van der Lugt, H. J. M. Verhagen, J. J. Wentzel, A. F. W. van der Steen, F. J. H. Gijsen, K. van der Heiden
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between wall shear stress (WSS) and plaque composition in advanced atherosclerosis. The findings revealed that high time-averaged WSS (TAWSS) is associated with larger macrophage areas and necrotic core sizes, while low oscillatory shear index (OSI) is associated with larger macrophage areas. Moreover, a combination of low TAWSS and low OSI is related to larger cap thickness.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Momoko Hayashi, Yoshibumi Kuwabara, Kuniji Ito, Yoshiaki Hojo, Fumiaki Arai, Kazuki Kamijima, Masakazu Takeiri, Xiaojing Wang, Pan Diao, Jun Nakayama, Naoki Tanaka
Summary: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease that can progress to liver fibrosis and cancer. Patients with NASH often have a high prevalence of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases, necessitating simultaneous management of both conditions. Rodents are commonly used as animal models for NASH, but their lipoprotein profiles differ significantly from humans, making it difficult to replicate the pathology of NASH patients with atherosclerosis. Rabbits, on the other hand, have lipoprotein metabolism more similar to humans and could be a promising candidate for assessing NASH and atherosclerosis. A rabbit NASH model was developed by treating Japanese White rabbits with a newly developed high-fat high-cholesterol diet for 16 weeks, resulting in NASH and advanced fibrosis development. Atherosclerotic lesions were also observed in the aorta. This rabbit NASH model could contribute to the exploration of concurrent treatment options for human NASH and atherosclerosis.
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
J. Malik, L. Novakova, A. Valerianova, E. Chytilova, V Lejsek, Buryskova K. Salajova, L. Lambert, T. Grus, M. Porizka, P. Michalek
Summary: Wall shear stress plays a significant role in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications, especially in areas with chronically low oscillating wall shear stress such as outer bifurcation walls and inner walls of arches.
CURRENT ATHEROSCLEROSIS REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Xiaoyin Li, Xiao Liu, Ye Liang, Xiaoyan Deng, Yubo Fan
Summary: This study investigates the changes in plaque components and local hemodynamics during the progression of atherosclerosis in rabbit aorta. Through histological and immunohistochemical staining, as well as simulations of blood flow and LDL transport, it was found that plaque thickness, plaque components, and local hemodynamics exhibit nonlinear changes during the progression of atherosclerosis.
COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristina Andelovic, Patrick Winter, Peter Michael Jakob, Wolfgang Rudolf Bauer, Volker Herold, Alma Zernecke
Summary: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of large and medium-sized arteries characterized by the growth of atherosclerotic lesions. Low and oscillatory shear stress may contribute to arterial remodeling and increased pulse wave velocity. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging enables evaluation of dynamic processes and assessment of hemodynamic parameters for early identification of high-risk plaques.
Review
Biology
Maria Emfietzoglou, Michail C. Mavrogiannis, Hector M. Garcia-Garcia, Kimon Stamatelopoulos, Ioannis Kanakakis, Michail I. Papafaklis
Summary: Despite advances in treatment, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a major cause of illness and death worldwide. Invasive and non-invasive imaging techniques have been used to identify high-risk plaques and the vulnerable state of patients with CAD. However, the predictive value of the invasive-only approach is limited, and a more interdisciplinary approach is needed to identify both the vulnerable plaque and patient. This review summarizes and critically evaluates the modalities used for detecting high-risk plaques in patients with CAD and discusses the challenges of the vulnerable plaque concept.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katharina Urschel, Karsten P. Hug, Hanxiao Zuo, Michael Buettner, Roman Furtmair, Constanze Kuehn, Florian M. Stumpfe, Balaz Botos, Stephan Achenbach, Yan Yuan, Barbara Dietel, Miyuki Tauchi
Summary: Retention of circulating lipoproteins by their interaction with extracellular matrix molecules has been suggested as an underlying mechanism for atherosclerosis. The role of glypican-4 (GPC4), a heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan, in the development of endothelial dysfunction and plaque progression, as well as its association with inflammation in carotid plaques, was investigated. GPC4 and HS expression was found to be lower in more-inflamed plaque sections, suggesting their involvement in both early and advanced stages of atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yash T. Katakia, Satyadevan Kanduri, Ritobrata Bhattacharyya, Srinandini Ramanathan, Ishan Nigam, Bhanu Vardhan Reddy Kuncharam, Syamantak Majumder
Summary: The angle of blood vessel bifurcation is an important determinant of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction, as it can alter hemodynamics and impact endothelial structure and function.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Weiyu Chen, Sergey Tumanov, Christopher P. Stanley, Stephanie M. Y. Kong, James Nadel, Niv Vigder, Darren L. Newington, Xiao Suo Wang, Louise L. Dunn, Roland Stocker
Summary: This study shows that deficiency of bilirubin is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. In the experiments, mice deficient in bilirubin showed higher burden of atherosclerotic plaques, increased systemic oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, the study found that bilirubin deficiency selectively enhanced neutrophil-mediated inflammation and destabilization of unstable plaques.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Valentina Mazzi, Giuseppe De Nisco, Ayla Hoogendoorn, Karol Calo, Claudio Chiastra, Diego Gallo, David A. Steinman, Jolanda J. Wentzel, Umberto Morbiducci
Summary: This study examines the impact of wall shear stress on coronary atherosclerosis development, revealing that high TSVI and low WSS are associated with increased wall thickness and predict thickening in the future. The variability of WSS contraction/expansion action and WSS magnitude play a role in different hemodynamic effects on endothelial cells, helping to identify WSS features leading to coronary atherosclerosis.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuai Luo, Feng Wang, Siyu Chen, Aiqun Chen, Zhimei Wang, Xiaofei Gao, Xiangquan Kong, Guangfeng Zuo, Wenying Zhou, Yue Gu, Zhen Ge, Junjie Zhang
Summary: This study elucidates the regulatory mechanism of NRP2 in atheroprone phenotype of endothelial cells under low shear stress and identifies NRP2 as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerotic disorders.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roxana Mihaela Chiorescu, Mihaela Mocan, Andreea Ioana Inceu, Andreea Paula Buda, Dan Blendea, Sonia Irina Vlaicu
Summary: Atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations are the leading cause of death worldwide, mainly due to the rupture of vulnerable plaques and subsequent thrombosis. Traditional imaging methods are unreliable in predicting the risk of rupture, while intravascular imaging is an effective technique. This review summarizes the current literature on biomarkers for diagnosing vulnerable plaques, providing a foundation for risk stratification and treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sophie Z. Gu, Martin R. Bennett
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of death globally, with myocardial infarctions often resulting from rupture or erosion of coronary plaques. Imaging modalities alone have limited ability to accurately assess plaque risk, necessitating the use of additional biomarkers. Plaque structural stress (PSS), which incorporates various variables, has been shown to be correlated with acute coronary syndrome, plaque rupture, and major adverse cardiovascular events, offering valuable prognostic information beyond imaging. This review explores the methods for calculating PSS, the imaging modalities used for modeling PSS, and the potential for refining treatment options and predicting future events based on PSS.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ceren Kimna, Bernardo Miller Naranjo, Franziska Eckert, Di Fan, Dario Arcuti, Petra Mela, Oliver Lieleg
Summary: This study presents the development of mechanosensitive nanogels that can release drugs in response to blood vessel constrictions, offering safer solutions for vascular therapy.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yanhong Li, Jun Tang, Hongling Gao, Yanfeng Xu, Yunlin Han, Haiquan Shang, Yaozeng Lu, Chuan Qin
Summary: The study comprehensively evaluated the effect of GLTs and GLPs on atherosclerosis in vivo and in vitro, finding that GL treatment significantly reduced lipid levels and aortic plaque area. Moreover, GL attenuated endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory polarization of macrophages, thus slowing the progression of atherosclerosis.
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Perez-Rigueiro, Manuel Elices, Gustavo R. Plaza, Gustavo Guinea
Summary: The study of spider silk exemplifies key topics in biomimetics and demonstrates how nature's exploration for high performance materials can inspire the development of new artificial fibers. By analyzing the relationship between mechanical properties and microstructure, valuable insights can be gained for the improvement of biomimetic systems.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Inmaculada Jorge, Victor Ruiz, Jesus Lavado-Garcia, Jesus Vazquez, Cheryl Hayashi, Francisco J. Rojo, Jose M. Atienza, Manuel Elices, Gustavo V. Guinea, Jose Perez-Rigueiro
Summary: Proteomics analysis techniques were used to analyze the expression of spidroins in different glands of Trichonephila clavipes spiders. Only a small proportion of spidroin genes were found to be expressed as proteins, and the expression patterns varied among different glands. The combination of genomics, proteomics, microstructural, and mechanical data offers new insights for the design principles and production of high-performance bioinspired artificial fibers.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Aroa Alvarez-Lopez, Luis Colchero, Manuel Elices, Gustavo Guinea, Jose Perez-Rigueiro, Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto
Summary: This study addresses the issue of improving the physiological acceptance of titanium implants by utilizing a robust and versatile biofunctionalization method. The method involves immobilizing extracellular matrix-derived peptides onto titanium surfaces, resulting in enhanced cell attachment, growth, and potential for various applications.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rocio Fernandez-Serra, Emma Martinez-Alonso, Alberto Alcazar, Mourad Chioua, Jose Marco-Contelles, Ricardo Martinez-Murillo, Milagros Ramos, Gustavo V. Guinea, Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto
Summary: Brain stroke is a common pathology that causes disability in older adults. Previous neuroprotective treatments have not been effectively translated into clinical practice, highlighting the need for novel targets. This study demonstrates the neuroprotective properties of 2-APB and its ability to improve cerebral blood perfusion by targeting spreading depolarization events in ischemic stroke.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paloma Lozano-Picazo, Cristina Castro-Dominguez, Augusto Luis Bruno, Alejandro Baeza, Adelia S. Martinez, Patricia A. Lopez, Angela Castro, Yassmin Lakhal, Elena Montero, Luis Colchero, Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto, Francisco Javier Rojo, Fivos Panetsos, Milagros Ramos, Rafael Daza, Alfonso M. Ganan-Calvo, Manuel Elices, Gustavo Victor Guinea, Jose Perez-Rigueiro
Summary: High-performance regenerated silk fibers can be efficiently produced through straining flow spinning technique. These fibers not only have enhanced biocompatibility but also can be conveniently functionalized, such as producing fluorescent fibers for tracking, combining fibers with enzymes for catalytic properties, and modifying fibers with cell-adhesion motifs for modulating cell adherence.
Article
Physiology
Joseph Arguelles, Richard H. Baker, Jose Perez-Rigueiro, Gustavo Guinea, M. Elices, Cheryl Y. Hayashi
Summary: Spider dragline fibers exhibit remarkable mechanical properties and have potential applications in various fields. However, the variations in mechanical properties among different species pose challenges in investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Castro-Dominguez, Paloma Lozano-Picazo, Aroa Alvarez-Lopez, Javier Garrote-Junco, Fivos Panetsos, Gustavo V. Guinea, Manuel Elices, Francisco Javier Rojo, Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto, Luis Colchero, Milagros Ramos, Jose Perez-Rigueiro
Summary: The limited regenerative capacity of the central nervous system after injury makes the reconnection and functional recovery of the affected tissue almost impossible. However, the use of biomaterials, such as functionalized silk fibroin fibers, can enhance the guidance ability of scaffolds for regenerative processes. The study shows that functionalized fibers can guide the growth of neurons, and this guidance can be further modulated through biofunctionalization with adhesion peptides. These fibers have the potential to be used as spinal cord implants to reconnect injured ends of the spinal cord.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sean Blamires, Paloma Lozano-Picazo, Augusto Luis Bruno, Miquel Arnedo, Yolanda Ruiz-Leon, Daniel Gonzaiez-Nieto, Francisco Javier Rojo, Manuel Elices, Gustavo Victor Guinea, Jose Perez-Rigueiro
Summary: The stress-strain curves of 11 Australian spider species were tested and classified based on the alignment parameter alpha* in the Spider Silk Standardization Initiative. The study found that the values of alpha* ranged from 0.03 to 0.65. By analyzing the data from various species, the study investigated the distribution pattern of alpha* parameter and its relationship with phylogeny, identifying some exceptions to the general trend.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ignacio Alcalde, Cristina Sanchez-Fernandez, Carla Martin, Nagore De Pablo, Nahla Jemni-Damer, Gustavo V. Guinea, Jesus Merayo-Lloves, Susana Del Olmo-Aguado
Summary: The objective of this study is to analyze the current data from clinical trials using stem cells to treat human retinal diseases. Although there are currently no approved therapies based on stem cell transplantation for patients, the outcomes of many clinical trials show promising results in terms of implantation techniques and long-term safety. Quantifiable results related to visual function improvement are expected in the coming years.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Veronica Fernandez-Luna, Juan P. Fernandez-Blazquez, Miguel A. Monclus, Francisco Javier Rojo, Rafael Daza, Daniel Sanchez-deAlcazar, Aitziber L. Cortajarena, Ruben D. Costa
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Blanca Gonzalez-Bermudez, Hikaru Kobayashi, Alvaro Navarrete, Cesar Nyblad, Monica Gonzalez-Sanchez, Monica de la Fuente, Gonzalo Fuentes, Gustavo V. Guinea, Claudio Garcia, Gustavo R. Plaza
