Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tong Li, Baofu Wang, Hao Ding, Shiqi Chen, Weiting Cheng, Yang Li, Xiaoxiao Wu, Lei Wang, Yangyang Jiang, Ziwen Lu, Yu Teng, Sha Su, Xiaowan Han, Mingjing Zhao
Summary: Atherosclerosis (AS)-related diseases are the leading cause of death in clinical patients. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a crucial role in AS, and intercellular communication through extracellular vesicles (EVs) is important in the pathophysiology of AS.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ji-Ru Zhang, Hai-Jian Sun
Summary: Hypertension is a common and difficult-to-treat chronic disease. This study investigates the interactions between vascular cells and finds that extracellular vesicle-carried ncRNAs play an important role in hypertension and vascular remodeling. This finding may provide new clinical targets for hypertension treatment.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ae-Rang Hwang, Hee-Jung Lee, Suji Kim, Seong-Hee Park, Chang-Hoon Woo
Summary: Inhibition of phosphorylated p90RSK with specific inhibitors, such as FMK or BI-D1870, can suppress PDGF-BB-induced migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), reduce phenotypic changes and extracellular matrix accumulation in VSMCs. It can also affect VSMC proliferation by regulating the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase-4, and inhibit the decrease of Cdk inhibitor p27 expression induced by PDGF-BB, thereby inhibiting VSMC proliferation in the G0/G1 phase. The use of phosphorylated p90RSK inhibitors can attenuate the PDGF-BB-induced phenotypic switch and neointimal hyperplasia in VSMCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Tiantian Li, Hongchi Yu, Demao Zhang, Tang Feng, Michael Miao, Jianwei Li, Xiaoheng Liu
Summary: Vascular calcification is associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Extracellular vesicles, particularly matrix vesicles, play a crucial role in the early stages of vascular calcification. However, the underlying mechanism by which matrix vesicles drive vascular smooth muscle cells phenotype switching and calcification remains unclear.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Akira Takaguri, Rena Ishizaka, Shota Maki, Kumi Satoh
Summary: This study reveals the important role of TRIB2 in VSMC proliferation, which is upregulated following vascular injury and PDGF-BB stimulation. The expression of TRIB2 is mediated by ROS/ERK/EGR-1 pathways and plays a critical role in VSMC proliferation via modulation of ERK activity.
CELL BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Weikang Zhang, Yuhang Gong, Xiaohang Zheng, Jianxin Qiu, Ting Jiang, Lihua Chen, Fangying Lu, Xinhui Wu, Fengmin Cheng, Zhenghua Hong
Summary: PDGF-BB promotes extracellular matrix synthesis of NPCs and inhibits pyroptosis, participating in the inhibition of IDD through regulating the MAPK signaling pathway.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Joo-Hui Han, Hyun-Soo Park, Do-Hyung Lee, Jun-Hwan Jo, Kyung-Sun Heo, Chang-Seon Myung
Summary: The study suggests that PDGF-BB-induced VSMC autophagy is mainly regulated by Erk1/2, independent of the mTOR pathway. Targeting autophagy modulation may be a potential therapeutic strategy for addressing abnormal VSMC proliferation and migration.
Article
Cell Biology
Meredith Whitehead, Syabira Yusoff, Sadia Ahmad, Lukas Schmidt, Manuel Mayr, Jillian Madine, David Middleton, Catherine M. Shanahan
Summary: Vascular amyloidosis, caused by the aggregation of peptide monomers into insoluble amyloid, is a common age-related pathology. This study found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) and HSPG2 in the extracellular matrix (ECM) play key roles in medin accumulation, contributing to the development of age-associated aortic medial amyloid (AMA).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Francesca Greco, Alessandra Stefania Rizzuto, Marta Zara, Marco Cafora, Chiara Favero, Giulia Solazzo, Ilaria Giusti, Maria Pia Adorni, Francesca Zimetti, Vincenza Dolo, Cristina Banfi, Nicola Ferri, Cesare R. Sirtori, Alberto Corsini, Silvia Stella Barbieri, Anna Pistocchi, Valentina Bollati, Chiara Macchi, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: This study reveals that PCSK9 plays an inflammatory role through EVs released by vascular smooth muscle cells, affecting the function and content of neighboring cells, and may have a significant role in atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jean Michell Santoyo, Jose Antonio Noguera, Francisco Aviles, Trinidad Hernandez-Caselles, Catalina de Paco-Matallana, Juan Luis Delgado, Santiago Cuevas, M. Teresa Llinas, Isabel Hernandez
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effects of pravastatin on the generation of circulating extracellular vesicles in women at high risk of term preeclampsia. The results showed that pravastatin can reduce the levels of cell-derived membrane vesicles in the circulation of high-risk preeclampsia patients, which may help reduce the characteristics of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and other features of the disease.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mengya Liu, Dan Wang, Shuangying Gu, Baoxiang Tian, Jiaqi Liang, Qian Suo, Zhijun Zhang, Guoyuan Yang, Yue Zhou, Song Li
Summary: This study demonstrates that manipulating endothelial cell morphology can regulate smooth muscle cell phenotype through extracellular vesicles (EVs). The findings highlight the crucial role of biophysical changes in cell-cell communications and provide insights into using micro/nano materials for engineering cell morphology and regulating EV secretion. Extracellular vesicles have been shown to be important nano-carriers for cell-cell communication, and understanding how biophysical factors regulate EV-mediated signaling is crucial for tissue engineering applications.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pengcheng Li, Jin Hong, Cui Liang, Yapeng Li, Lu Gao, Leiming Wu, Rui Yao, Yanzhou Zhang
Summary: This study aimed to assess the clinical significance of endothelial cell (EC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in atherosclerosis (AS). The study found that HIF1A-AS2 and ESRRG were highly expressed in AS patients, while miR-455-5p was poorly expressed. HIF1A-AS2 could sponge miR-455-5p to elevate the expression of ESRRG and NLRP3, and EVs derived from ECs carrying HIF1A-AS2 induced pyroptosis and vascular inflammation of ECs to promote the progression of AS.
Article
Immunology
Daniel Alvarez, Diana M. Morales-Prieto, Angela P. Cadavid
Summary: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies targeting phospholipid-binding proteins. It manifests as vascular thrombosis and pregnancy-related complications, which may have different underlying mechanisms. Vascular APS is thought to be caused by endothelial dysfunction and activation leading to thrombosis, while obstetric APS is associated with trophoblast cell dysfunction and inflammation. This review explores the role of monocytes in APS, particularly their interactions with endothelial cells and the potential effects of antiphospholipid antibodies on their function.
AUTOIMMUNITY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Carolina Balbi, Giuseppina Milano, Tudor E. Fertig, Edoardo Lazzarini, Sara Bolis, Yoshiaki Taniyama, Fumihiro Sanada, Dario Di Silvestre, Pierluigi Mauri, Mihaela Gherghiceanu, Thomas F. Luescher, Lucio Barile, Giuseppe Vassalli
Summary: The study shows that exosomes secreted by CPC promote cardiomyocyte cell cycle-reentry via a short isoform of Periostin expressed on their surfaces, while recombinant full-length Periostin does not have the same effect. This highlights isoform-specific roles of Periostin in cardiomyocyte proliferation.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Karthikeyan Thirugnanam, Shubhangi Prabhudesai, Emma Van Why, Amy Pan, Ankan Gupta, Koji Foreman, Rahima Zennadi, Kevin R. Rarick, Surya M. Nauli, Sean P. Palecek, Ramani Ramchandran
Summary: In the developing vasculature, the formation of cilia in endothelial cells greatly influences the stability of blood vessels. However, the underlying mechanisms of ciliogenesis are not fully understood. This study used zebrafish models and cell culture systems to investigate the critical role of ciliogenesis in brain vascular stability. The researchers discovered that the protein ADP Ribosylation Factor Like GTPase 13B (Arl13b) is significantly decreased in a zebrafish mutant with vascular instability, and overexpression of Arl13b can rescue the cilia numbers and prevent cerebral hemorrhage. Further studies in human brain microvascular endothelial cells revealed that ligands platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) trigger ciliogenesis through the cell surface VEGFR-2 receptor. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of ciliogenesis and its importance in promoting vascular stability.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Cristina Bianchi, Francesco Raggi, Chiara Rossi, Simona Frontoni, Riccardo C. Bonadonna, Stefano Del Prato, Anna Solini
Summary: The study reveals that MG53 is associated with glucose tolerance, and higher levels of MG53 are related to worsened glucose regulation and impaired beta-cell function. Among individuals at high risk of T2DM, those with higher baseline MG53 levels are more likely to progress to T2DM.
DIABETES & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Francesco Raggi, Chiara Rossi, Francesco Faita, Mariarosaria Distaso, Claudia Kusmic, Anna Solini
Summary: The study reveals the role of P2X7 receptor in regulating cardiac function and protecting the heart from inflammatory damage in obesity or type 2 diabetes. P2X7 receptor activation contributes to tissue homeostasis and preservation of organ functionality, providing a potential therapeutic target for heart failure in these conditions.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Rossi, Antonio Salvati, Mariarosaria Distaso, Daniela Campani, Francesco Raggi, Edoardo Biancalana, Domenico Trico, Maurizia Rossana Brunetto, Anna Solini
Summary: The role of inflammasomes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and viral-related liver disease has been investigated. The study found that P2X7R-NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes play a major role in liver inflammation accompanying chronic HCV infection and metabolic damage. It also discovered the hepatic expression of IL-2 in NASH, which was previously considered a characteristic of HCV-related liver damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Martina Chiriaco, Domenico Trico, Anna Solini
Summary: SGLT2i is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes with additional benefits for the heart and kidneys. Its mechanisms include blood pressure reduction, improvement of endothelial function, optimization of metabolism and ion exchange, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. These mechanisms provide solid clinical evidence for the use of SGLT2i in patients with cardiorenal syndrome.
CURRENT OPINION IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Guido Bocci, Paola Orlandi, Maria Laura Manca, Chiara Rossi, Antonio Salvati, Maurizia Rossana Brunetto, Anna Solini
Summary: This study found that circulating biomarker profiles can predict the severity of chronic liver disease of NAFLD/NASH or HCV origin. In HCV patients, there was an inverse correlation between disease stage and circulating levels of BMP-9 and VEGF-A, while in NASH/NAFLD, direct correlations between stage and BMP-9 and VEGF-A circulating levels were observed.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Luca Sacchetta, Martina Chiriaco, Lorenzo Nesti, Simone Leonetti, Giovanna Forotti, Andrea Natali, Anna Solini, Domenico Trico
Summary: This study demonstrates the long-term impact of diabetic microvascular complications (MVC) on all-cause mortality in diabetes patients and reveals the varying effects of different combinations of MVC on mortality risk.
CARDIOVASCULAR DIABETOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
E. Biancalana, G. Petralli, F. Raggi, Mr Distaso, G. Piazza, C. Rossi, D. Trico, A. Solini
Summary: This study examined the role of patient phenotype prior to treatment in determining the kidney response to SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes patients. The results showed that patients with a faster decline in eGFR were more likely to benefit from treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Gabriele Saccu, Valeria Menchise, Chiara Gai, Marina Bertolin, Stefano Ferrari, Cristina Giordano, Marta Manco, Walter Dastru, Emanuela Tolosano, Benedetta Bussolati, Enzo Calautti, Giovanni Camussi, Fiorella Altruda, Sharmila Fagoonee
Summary: A study found that topical application of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (BMSC-EVs) can accelerate corneal damage repair, suggesting a promising cell-free approach for treating burns in the avascularized region of the eye.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Diego Moriconi, Luca Sacchetta, Martina Chiriaco, Lorenzo Nesti, Giovanna Forotti, Andrea Natali, Anna Solini, Domenico Trico
Summary: This study evaluated the prognostic value of glomerular hyperfiltration in predicting long-term kidney-related outcomes and mortality in patients with diabetes. The analysis of 21-year longitudinal data showed that glomerular hyperfiltration is associated with worse kidney function and increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular or renal causes. Active screening of these patients is recommended for better risk stratification and treatment of subclinical kidney disease.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Edoardo Biancalana, Chiara Rossi, Francesco Raggi, Mariarosaria Distaso, Domenico Trico, Simona Baldi, Ele Ferrannini, Anna Solini
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the involvement of NHE3 in modulating the response to sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in humans. The results showed that empagliflozin acutely increased urinary pH and induced a substrate shift toward lipid utilization and ketogenesis in healthy young male volunteers, without significant changes in renal NHE3 protein expression.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Cristina Bianchi, Olga Vaccaro, Mariarosaria Distaso, Laura Franzini, Francesco Raggi, Anna Solini
Summary: MG53 is not associated with cardiovascular risk profile or long-term mortality in Caucasian individuals with T2D.
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Giovanni Petralli, Antonio Salvati, Domenico Trico, Gabriele Ricco, Piero Colombatto, Maurizia Rossana Brunetto, Anna Solini
Summary: Insulin resistance is independently associated with non-invasive markers of MAFLD severity in overweight/obese individuals, and this relationship is largely mediated by hyperinsulinemia.
DIABETES-METABOLISM RESEARCH AND REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anna Solini, Domenico Trico, Stefano Del Prato
Summary: Major cardiovascular outcome trials and real-life observations have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) provide clinically relevant cardiovascular protection regardless of GLP-1 homology. GLP-1RAs offer cardioprotective benefits through various mechanisms, including improved insulin secretion and action, weight loss, reduced blood pressure, improved lipid profile, as well as direct effects on the heart and vasculature. The available evidence has led professional and medical societies to recommend GLP-1RAs for reducing cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Johanna Paivarinta, Ioanna A. A. Anastasiou, Niina Koivuviita, Kanishka Sharma, Pirjo Nuutila, Ele Ferrannini, Anna Solini, Eleni Rebelos
Summary: Thanks to medical imaging technology, the study of renal anatomy and physiology has advanced. However, difficulties in studying the metabolism and vasculature of the human kidney have limited research in these areas. This review provides an overview of recent findings on renal perfusion, oxygenation, and substrate uptake. The use of PET and fMRI has allowed for the evaluation of renal perfusion and the effects of therapeutic agents on kidney hemodynamics. Despite limited studies, these imaging modalities offer promising prospects for understanding renal pathophysiology in various diseases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Margherita A. C. Pomatto, Chiara Gai, Federica Negro, Lucia Massari, Maria Chiara Deregibus, Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa, Giovanni Camussi
Summary: Citrus sinensis-derived extracellular vesicles (oEVs) showed potential as carriers for oral mRNA vaccines, providing stability, optimal mucosal absorption, and immune response induction.
