Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qingqing Yu, Panpan Wei, Liran Xu, Congcong Xia, Yafeng Li, Haole Liu, Xiaojie Song, Kangli Tian, Weilai Fu, Rong Wang, Weirong Wang, Liang Bai, Jianglin Fan, Enqi Liu, Sihai Zhao
Summary: Accumulated evidence suggests that elevated levels of urotensin II (UII) are associated with cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the role of UII in the initiation, progression, and regression of atherosclerosis. The results showed that UII promoted atherosclerotic fatty streak formation and increased plaque size in various arteries. UII also delayed the regression of atherosclerosis and had pro-angiogenic effects in the lesion, indicating its involvement in complex plaque development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lin Lin, Lin Chen, Juan Yan, Peirong Chen, Jiahui Du, Junpeng Zhu, Xinyu Yang, Boxin Geng, Lang Li, Wen Zeng
Summary: Accurate assessment of atherosclerotic plaque is critical for predicting risk and monitoring intervention outcomes. Nanoparticle imaging technologies have great development prospects in identifying and characterizing vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Judith J. de Vries, Anouchska S. A. Autar, Dianne H. K. Van Dam-Nolen, Samantha J. Donkel, Mohamed Kassem, Anja G. van der Kolk, Twan J. van Velzen, M. Eline Kooi, Jeroen Hendrikse, Paul J. Nederkoorn, Daniel Bos, Aad van der Lugt, Moniek P. M. de Maat, Heleen M. M. van Beusekom
Summary: This study found a positive correlation between plaque vulnerability and levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in patients who had not received statins or antithrombotic medication prior to the index event. Further analysis revealed that this association was mainly driven by intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core, and ulceration.
Article
Immunology
Yi Liu, Yanmei Li, Minqi Chen, Yayue Liu, Jinyue Liang, Yi Zhang, Zhong-Ji Qian
Summary: This study found that two alkaloids, EAA and AZN, from endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus C23-3, derived from coral Pavona, can effectively prevent HUVEC damage and angiogenesis induced by oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. Therefore, these alkaloids may have potential beneficial effects in regulating atherosclerosis and plaque angiogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shouming Luo, Xiaogen Ma, Weiqiang Wu, Shu Lin, Mindian Li, Zhihui Zhang, Ping Zhu, Zhiyuan Song
Summary: Continuous hypobaric hypoxia (CHH) may accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis by promoting angiogenesis and inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
T. Zadi, D. H. K. van Dam-Nolen, M. Aizaz, A. G. van der Kolk, P. J. Nederkoorn, J. Hendrikse, M. E. Kooi, A. van der Lugt, D. Bos
Summary: This study evaluated changes in carotid plaque calcification over a 2-year follow-up in patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease. The results showed both increases and decreases in the volume of extra- and intracranial carotid artery calcification, which were significantly correlated with baseline calcification volume. Factors such as diabetes and use of antihypertensive drugs were also associated with changes in calcification.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andrew N. Nicolaides, Andrie G. Panayiotou, Maura Griffin, Theodosis Tyllis, Dawn Bond, Niki Georgiou, Efthyvoulos Kyriacou, Costantinos Avraamides, Richard M. Martin
Summary: Measuring NBP, total plaque thickness, or total plaque area from both the carotid and common femoral bifurcations can provide a more accurate prediction of future ASCVE. These results need to be validated in an independent cohort.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Cheng Yuan Xue, Meng Qi Zhou, Qi Yan Zheng, Jin Hui Zhang, Wei Ting Cheng, Xue Hui Bai, Fen Zhou, Ai Ming Wu, Bo Nie, Wei Jing Liu, Li Xia Lou
Summary: TZDs drugs have shown inhibiting effects on plaque progression and protective effects on vascular endothelium in diabetic patients with coronary atherosclerosis, potentially contributing to a protective effect on myocardial infarction.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andreas Edsfeldt, Maarten Swart, Pratibha Singh, Lea Dib, Jiangming Sun, Jennifer E. Cole, Inhye Park, Dania Al-Sharify, Ana Persson, Mihaela Nitulescu, Patricia Das Neves Borges, Christina Kassiteridi, Michael E. Goddard, Regent Lee, Petr Volkov, Marju Orho-Melander, Lars Maegdefessel, Jan Nilsson, Irina Udalova, Isabel Goncalves, Claudia Monaco
Summary: The study found that IRF5 is associated with plaque vulnerability and symptoms in human carotid endarterectomies. In a murine model of inducible carotid artery plaque rupture, IRF5 drives plaque rupture. IRF5 modulates macrophage phenotype and colocalizes with CD11c(+) macrophages at the plaque shoulder.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Katharina Ernst
Summary: Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory disease caused by infection with Bordetella pertussis. Despite available vaccination, case numbers are increasing globally and there is currently no causative treatment for the symptoms of pertussis. The AB-type protein toxin PT, a virulence factor, is identified as a potential drug target for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Runlei Ma, Marly van Assen, Daan Ties, Gert Jan Pelgrim, Randy van Dijk, Grigory Sidorenkov, Peter M. A. van Ooijen, Pim van der Harst, Rozemarijn Vliegenthart
Summary: This study found that lesion-specific PCAT(MA) in arteries with plaque was higher than proximal PCAT(MA) in arteries without plaque, and lesion-specific PCAT(MA) was higher in non-calcified and mixed plaques compared to calcified plaques, and in minimal stenosis compared to severe.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Finamore, Gabriele Nieddu, Silvia Rocchiccioli, Rita Spirito, Anna Guarino, Marilena Formato, Antonio Junior Lepedda
Summary: Proteins within different lipoprotein classes play a key role in carrying out various functions and are associated with pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis. Detailed information about the composition and structure of these lipoproteins can contribute to understanding the mechanisms of atherosclerosis.
Article
Oncology
Elisa Fiorito, Patrycja Szybowska, Ellen M. Haugsten, Michal Kostas, Geir F. Oy, Antoni Wiedlocha, Sachin Singh, Sigve Nakken, Gunhild M. Maelandsmo, Jonathan A. Fletcher, Leonardo A. Meza-Zepeda, Jorgen Wesche
Summary: This study evaluated targeting strategies for the FGFR4 V550L activating mutation in rhabdomyosarcoma. The results showed that FGF401 effectively inhibited FGFR4 V550L-dependent signaling and cell proliferation. Additionally, RAS/MAPK and PI3K/AKT were identified as druggable pathways downstream of FGFR4 V550L. Furthermore, HSP90 inhibitors efficiently impeded RMS559 cell proliferation.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Doina Butcovan, Veronica Mocanu, Mihai Enache, Beatrice Gabriela Ioan, Grigore Tinica
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a common condition that can lead to ischemic syndromes. This study proposed a score of ten parameters for assessing high-risk plaques by quantifying risk factors for acute cardiovascular events. Using carotid endarterectomy samples, the study found more macrophages and neovessels in unstable plaques compared to stable plaques.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Sarin Gole, Svyatoslav Tkachenko, Tarek Masannat, Richard A. Baylis, Olga A. Cherepanova
Summary: Complications of atherosclerosis resulting from the rupture or erosion of unstable plaques remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Recent advances in cellular lineage tracing techniques have highlighted the role of individual cell types, including endothelial cells, in regulating plaque stability.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Paola Perrotta, Margreet R. de Vries, Bart Peeters, Pieter-Jan Guns, Guido R. Y. De Meyer, Paul H. A. Quax, Wim Martinet
Summary: The study shows that deletion of the PFKFB3 gene in ECs can significantly reduce the size of vein graft lesions, IP angiogenesis and hemorrhages, without obvious adverse effects or changes in general metabolism. Additionally, RT-PCR results indicate an increased M2 macrophage signature in vein grafts from mice with EC-specific PFKFB3 deletion.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jhana O. Hendrickx, Sofie De Moudt, Elke Calus, Peter Paul De Deyn, Debby Van Dam, Guido R. Y. De Meyer
Summary: This study evaluated the neurobehavioral phenotyping of hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory in aging C57BL/6J mice using the Morris Water Maze and Novel Object Recognition tests. The results indicated age-related memory loss in the animals starting at 6 months, as shown by decreased discrimination indexes and recognition indexes. These findings contribute to understanding the spontaneous cognitive behaviors of the widely used C57BL/6J mouse strain and can serve as a benchmark for distinguishing spontaneous from pathological neurodegenerative behavior in dementia mouse models.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lynn Roth, Miche Rombouts, Dorien M. Schrijvers, Besa Emini Veseli, Wim Martinet, Guido R. Y. De Meyer
Summary: ASA can prevent the progression of vessel wall remodelling, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular complications in mice. ASA normalizes the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), passive wall stiffness and cardiac remodeling in mice with a genetic mutation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Geoffrey Van den Bergh, Astrid Van den Branden, Britt Opdebeeck, Paul Fransen, Ellen Neven, Guido De Meyer, Patrick C. D'Haese, Anja Verhulst
Summary: Arterial media calcification is an active cell process, and endothelial dysfunction may play a significant role in disease progression.
Article
Transplantation
Geoffrey van den Bergh, Britt Opdebeeck, Cedric Neutel, Pieter-Jan Guns, Guido De Meyer, Patrick D'Haese, Anja Verhulst
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in CKD patients, and we aimed to investigate the early stage of disease progression in AMC etiology. Male Wistar rats were fed an adenine diet to induce AMC, and the results showed a time-dependent increase in aortic calcium and arterial stiffness. The study also revealed early alterations in biomechanics/cellular functionality and a progressive loss in basal NO levels in CKD rats.
NEPHROLOGY DIALYSIS TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Pauline Puylaert, Lynn Roth, Melissa Van Praet, Isabel Pintelon, Catalina Dumitrascu, Alexander van Nuijs, Greta Klejborowska, Pieter-Jan Guns, Tom Vanden Berghe, Koen Augustyns, Guido R. Y. De Meyer, Wim Martinet
Summary: IP angiogenesis is a key feature in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Erythrophagocytosis-induced ferroptosis during IP angiogenesis leads to larger atherosclerotic plaques, which can be prevented by the ferroptosis inhibitor UAMC-3203.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anneleen Robberechts, Laura Van Loon, Stephane Steurbaut, Guido R. Y. De Meyer, Hans De Loof
Summary: This study investigated patients' experiences during a pilot project on the implementation of type 3 medication review. The results showed that most patients were enthusiastic about this new service, but there was also a lack of understanding among some patients regarding the whole process. Therefore, better communication to patients by pharmacists and general practitioners about the goals and components of this type of medication review is needed, with the added benefit of increased efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Elham Ataei Alizadeh, Thomas Trautmann, Florian Krause, Benjamin Knoeferl, Pieter-Jan Guns, Guido De Meyer, Brian D. Guth, Michael Markert
Summary: This study investigated the effects of environmental and biological factors on resting heart rate (HR), and found that breed, sex, age, and cage system type have an impact on HR and its variability.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Matthias Bosman, Dustin Kruger, Charles Van Assche, Hanne Boen, Cedric Neutel, Kasper Favere, Constantijn Franssen, Wim Martinet, Lynn Roth, Guido R. Y. De Meyer, Berta Cillero-Pastor, Leen Delrue, Ward Heggermont, Emeline M. Van Craenenbroeck, Pieter-Jan Guns
Summary: Apart from cardiotoxicity, the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) induces vascular toxicity, represented by arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. DOX-induced arterial stiffness precedes reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), while vascular dysfunction restores after DOX therapy cessation. THBS1 and SERPINA3 are promising biomarkers of DOX-induced cardiovascular toxicity and elevated in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity patients.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cedric H. G. Neutel, Callan D. Wesley, Melissa Van Praet, Celine Civati, Lynn Roth, Guido R. Y. De Meyer, Wim Martinet, Pieter-Jan Guns
Summary: Arterial stiffness is a hallmark of vascular ageing and can lead to organ damage. The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin has been shown to decrease arterial stiffness in aged mice.
VASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Elham Ataei Alizadeh, Georg Rast, Chris Cantow, Jessica Schiwon, Florian Krause, Guido R. Y. De Meyer, Pieter-Jan Guns, Brian D. Guth, Michael Markert
Summary: Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling is an important technique for understanding drug exposure and response relationships in drug development. This study evaluated the bioanalysis of dried blood samples (DBS) in comparison to conventional blood sampling techniques and optimized the recovery of compounds spiked into canine blood dried on filter paper tape. The results showed that, with optimized methods, DBS bioanalysis can provide equivalent results to conventional blood sampling techniques. Automated blood sampling systems have the potential to provide more blood samples without disrupting physiological parameters, which can be a viable alternative for various types of studies.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL METHODS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anneleen Robberechts, Melissa Michielsen, Stephane Steurbaut, Guido R. Y. De Meyer, Hans De Loof
Summary: This study investigated the development of quality criteria for medication reviews. The results showed that using simple and understandable language in conversations with patients and discussing the usefulness and purpose of medication reviews were considered essential by the majority of participants. Minor differences of opinion were found in aspects such as laboratory values, the use of specific tools, and reporting to and consulting with the treating physician.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Cedric H. G. Neutel, Callan D. Wesley, Guido R. Y. De Meyer, Wim Martinet, Pieter-Jan Guns
Summary: In this study, the ex vivo viscoelastic properties of different regions of the aorta in healthy adult mice were investigated, as well as the interplay between altered cyclic stretch and viscoelasticity. The results showed that the viscoelastic parameters increase along the distal aorta and that the effect of altered cyclic stretch is region dependent. The study also identified vascular smooth muscle cells as an important modulator of viscoelasticity. Overall, the findings suggest that cyclic stretch can modulate aortic viscoelasticity by acting on vascular smooth muscle cell focal adhesion. Rating: 8/10.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)