Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rahayu Zulkapli, Suhaila Abd Muid, Seok Mui Wang, Hapizah Nawawi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on PCSK9, targeted early atherogenesis biomarkers, and monocyte binding in stimulated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). The results showed that PCSK9 inhibitors exerted anti-atherogenic effects by downregulating PCSK9 and early atherogenesis biomarkers, as well as significantly inhibiting monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells via the NF-kappa B and eNOS pathways. These findings suggest the potential role of PCSK9 inhibitors in preventing atherosclerosis-related complications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
O. Daniel Vera, Heike Wulff, Andrew P. Braun
Summary: Elevated blood cholesterol levels can cause endothelial dysfunction, leading to impaired nitric oxide production and decreased vasodilatory capacity. This dysfunction promotes vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. While lipid lowering is effective for most atherosclerosis patients, additional strategies are needed for patients with unresolved cardiovascular risk factors. One possible strategy is to enhance the activity of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in the endothelium with positive gating modulator drugs, which have shown promise in improving endothelial function and mitigating atherosclerosis risk.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mario Luca Morieri, Valentina Perrone, Chiara Veronesi, Luca Degli Esposti, Margherita Andretta, Mario Plebani, Gian Paolo Fadini, Saula Vigili de Kreutzenberg, Angelo Avogaro
Summary: This study identified factors contributing to low achievement of LDL-cholesterol targets and underuse of lipid-lowering treatments in high- or very-high-cardiovascular risk patients. Gender, age, HDL-c, and triglyceride levels were found to delay statin prescriptions, indicating a need for modification to improve cardiovascular disease prevention. Late initiation of high-intensity treatments, especially in perceived low-risk patients, was highlighted as a key factor that needs to be addressed.
CARDIOVASCULAR DIABETOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Amedeo Tirandi, Fabrizio Montecucco, Luca Liberale
Summary: The amount of physical activity practiced by people has been decreasing in recent decades, leading to higher risks of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular events. Regular physical activity has beneficial effects on metabolism and can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have found lower levels of plasma lipids in individuals who engage in exercise, but the exact mechanisms by which physical activity modulates lipoproteins are still not fully understood.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rudi Foth, Orr Shomroni, Matthias Sigler, Jurgen Horer, Julie Cleuziou, Thomas Paul, Katja Eildermann
Summary: Analysis of explanted conduits revealed EGFR, ErbB4 and FLT4 as potential target candidates to limit pannus formation in bioprosthetic replacement valves.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Connie B. Newman, Jonathan A. Tobert
Summary: The discovery of PCSK9 as a therapeutic target for reducing LDL cholesterol has led to the development of monoclonal antibodies and gene silencing methods that effectively lower cholesterol levels. However, the use of these treatments in clinical practice is hindered by economic considerations.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ting Luo, Zhen Zhang, Junbo Xu, Hanxiong Liu, Lin Cai, Gang Huang, Chunbin Wang, Yingzhong Chen, Long Xia, Xunshi Ding, Jin Wang, Xin Li
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, contributing to at least 31% of global deaths. Atherosclerosis is a major factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Micro-nano materials have been developed as revolutionary tools for detecting and delivering drugs for atherosclerosis treatment. This review summarizes the advancements in nanotherapy for atherosclerosis, including materials carriers, target sites, responsive models, and treatment outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wa Nienhuis, Jc Grutters
Summary: Sarcoidosis is an immune-mediated, inflammatory disease that can affect any organ system, with the lungs being the most commonly affected. The exact etiology is unknown, and there are currently no preventive strategies. Recent research has identified promising therapeutic targets and potential for precision medicine.
EXPERT OPINION ON THERAPEUTIC TARGETS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Alexander Lin, Niridu Jude Peiris, Harkirat Dhaliwal, Maria Hakim, Weizhen Li, Subramaniam Ganesh, Yogambha Ramaswamy, Sanjay Patel, Ashish Misra
Summary: Mural cells, consisting of smooth muscle cells and pericytes, are crucial in regulating blood vessel integrity and function, with dysfunction leading to various diseases. Notably, their role in diseases like atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders is being increasingly recognized. Understanding conserved signaling pathways in these diseases may offer insights for the development of dual-action therapeutics.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhicheng Xiao, Yi Li, Liyan Xiong, Jun Liao, Yijun Gao, Yunchun Luo, Yun Wang, Ting Chen, Dahai Yu, Tingfang Wang, Chuan Zhang, Zhe-Sheng Chen
Summary: Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of death worldwide, results in 17.6 million deaths globally each year. Diversified nanomaterials are crucial for improving drug properties and developing better treatment strategies for atherosclerosis. This study summarizes the pathological mechanisms of atherosclerosis, designs nanoparticle-mediated therapeutic strategies, and explores potential therapeutic targets for nanodelivery, highlighting the potential and challenges of nanoparticle use in treating atherosclerosis and suggesting new design ideas.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siyu Guo, Yihan Yao, Yang Tang, Zengfeng Xin, Dang Wu, Chao Ni, Jian Huang, Qichun Wei, Ting Zhang
Summary: As one of the major cancer treatment methods, radiotherapy (RT) can be used as both a radical and adjuvant treatment for various cancers. However, the effects of RT on the tumor microenvironment and the emergence of radioresistance need further investigation. New radiosensitization treatments are urgently needed to improve the therapeutic effects of RT.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Xuanzhi Zhu, Hanyao Huang, Lei Zhao
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a chronic artery disease, and periodontitis is a risk factor for it. There is a molecular pathological mechanism connecting the two conditions.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yanan Wang, Dan Fang, Qinzhi Yang, Jingcan You, Liqun Wang, Jianbo Wu, Min Zeng, Mao Luo
Summary: Atherosclerosis is an early pathological basis of cardiovascular events resulting in death or disability. Recent studies have identified PCSK9 as a target for atherosclerosis treatment, as it degrades LDLR and acts as an inflammatory modulator. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a key role in atherosclerotic disease, and interactions between PCSK9 and NLRP3 inflammasome contribute to inflammation-driven development and progression of atherosclerosis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Se-Jin Jeong, Jong-Gil Park, Goo Taeg Oh
Summary: Increased oxidative stress is considered a common factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, with precise regulation of ROS in cardiovascular cells essential for normal physiological functions. Antioxidant enzymes such as Prdxs play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ROS levels and act as regulatory sensors of intracellular signals.
Editorial Material
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Shan Luo, Kin On Kwok
Summary: Identifying mechanistic pathways that link obesity with COVID-19 severity provides targets for interventions to reduce the high risk of severe outcomes owing to obesity. The authors of a recent study use genomics and proteomics to show that nephronectin could be involved in one of these pathways.