Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Fabio Angeli, Paolo Verdecchia, Stefano Savonitto, Sara Cavallini, Andrea Santucci, Stefano Coiro, Rocco Sclafani, Clara Riccini, Stefano De Servi, Claudio Cavallini
Summary: This study found that higher levels of sCD40L predict an increased risk of acute coronary events and coronary restenosis among patients with ACS or CCS undergoing PCI, but not of mortality.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Xiaoxuan Ma, Meiming Su, Qingze He, Zhidan Zhang, Fanshun Zhang, Zhenghong Liu, Lu Sun, Jianping Weng, Suowen Xu
Summary: By analyzing human plaque tissue data and conducting experiments on mice, this study identifies PHACTR1 as being associated with endothelial dysfunction, which it regulates through inflammation response and NO production, and finds that its expression can be reduced by certain drugs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Annelie Shami, Andreas Edsfeldt, Eva Bengtsson, Jan Nilsson, Angela C. Shore, Andrea Natali, Faisel Khan, Esther Lutgens, Isabel Goncalves
Summary: This study found that elevated plasma levels of sCD40 and sCD40L are associated with cardiovascular disease, with sCD40 levels correlating with the severity of carotid atherosclerosis and predicting future cardiovascular events, while intra-plaque levels are associated with a vulnerable plaque phenotype.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Hiroshi Fujimoto, Soichiro Fukuzato, Kazuki Kanno, Taisuke Akutsu, Hironori Ohdaira, Yutaka Suzuki, Mitsuyoshi Urashima
Summary: Elevated sCD40L levels may serve as a biomarker for poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer, while vitamin D supplementation may improve relapse-free survival in patients with high sCD40L.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiajing Cui, Pingwei Wang, Shuqi Yan, Yujun Liang, Dongge Liu, Shuping Ren
Summary: The study aims to explore the role of ferroptosis in endothelial cell dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benjamin C. Hofeld, Venkata K. Puppala, Sudhi Tyagi, Kwang Woo Ahn, Amberly Anger, Shuang Jia, Nita H. Salzman, Martin J. Hessner, Michael E. Widlansky
Summary: Recent trials have shown that systemic anti-inflammatory therapy can reduce cardiovascular events in CAD patients. The supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) has been demonstrated to improve vascular endothelial function in men with stable CAD, with potential anti-inflammatory effects. Transcriptome analyses revealed changes in gene expression related to inflammation and improvement in vascular function, suggesting potential benefits for CAD patients.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weiqian E. Lee, Elijah Genetzakis, Gemma A. Figtree
Summary: Although recognized cardiovascular risk factors play a role in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack, the susceptibility of humans to this process is different from other animals. Mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly in the endothelial cells, has been found to be strongly associated with CAD. In this review, we explore the potential opportunities in analyzing mitochondrial function using patient-derived cells, such as endothelial colony-forming cells cultured from venous blood. We discuss how this analysis may serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and risk management, and how patient-derived cell models can aid in the development of novel therapies for humans.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Livia Provitera, Giacomo S. Amelio, Matteo Tripodi, Genny Raffaeli, Francesco Macchini, Ilaria Amodeo, Silvia Gulden, Valeria Cortesi, Francesca Manzoni, Gaia Cervellini, Andrea Tomaselli, Gabriele Zuanetti, Caterina Lonati, Michele Battistin, Shady Kamel, Valeria Parente, Valentina Pravata, Stefania Villa, Eduardo Villamor, Fabio Mosca, Giacomo Cavallaro
Summary: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving treatment for respiratory and cardiovascular failure, but it can induce a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and lead to endothelial dysfunction. This study found that ECMO exposure impairs coronary relaxation mediated by endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO), but has no effect on thromboxane-induced contraction or sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation. The response of smooth muscle cells to exogenous NO is also unaffected by ECMO exposure.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beata Franczyk, Jill Dybiec, Weronika Frak, Julia Krzeminska, Joanna Kucmierz, Ewelina Mlynarska, Magdalena Szlagor, Magdalena Wronka, Jacek Rysz
Summary: This review focuses on the main pathophysiological mechanisms of coronary artery spasm (CAS), including endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, smooth muscle hypercontractility, atherosclerosis and thrombosis, and mutations leading to deficient ALDH2 activity. These findings offer novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of CAS and may guide the development of diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases in the future.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jaskanwal D. S. Sara, Ali Ahmad, Takumi Toya, Laura Suarez Pardo, Lilach O. Lerman, Amir Lerman
Summary: Anxiety disorders are significantly associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction in women presenting with chest pain and nonobstructive coronary artery disease, potentially serving as a mechanism underlying the association between anxiety disorders and coronary artery disease and its complications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Gerasimos Siasos, Vasiliki Tsigkou, Ahmet Umit Coskun, Evangelos Oikonomou, Marina Zaromitidou, Lilach O. Lerman, Amir Lerman, Peter H. Stone
Summary: Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in developed countries. Despite advances in cardiology, there are still unanswered questions about the natural history of coronary atherosclerosis. Recent findings suggest that local hemodynamic forces and endothelial dysfunction play important roles in plaque progression and the development of cardiovascular complications.
CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Anton Klersy, Soeren Meyer, Florian Leuschner, Thorsten Kessler, Markus Hecker, Andreas H. Wagner
Summary: This study investigates the association between ADAM17-mediated CD40 shedding and inflammation in CC genotype human endothelial cells. Inhibition of ADAM17 prevented TNF-alpha-induced sCD40 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 release, and reinforced CD40 surface abundance. Levels of sCD40 and the inflammatory biomarkers hs-CRP and IL-6 were positively correlated in the plasma of patients with CHD.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana Jhoseline Medina-Leyte, Oscar Zepeda-Garcia, Mayra Dominguez-Perez, Antonia Gonzalez-Garrido, Teresa Villarreal-Molina, Leonor Jacobo-Albavera
Summary: The development of coronary artery disease (CAD) is closely tied to endothelial dysfunction and inflammation activation. Identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies is crucial in preventing atherosclerosis and CAD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Mohsen Abdi Sarabi, Alireza Shiri, Mahyar Aghapour, Charlotte Reichardt, Sabine Brandt, Peter R. Mertens, Senad Medunjanin, Dunja Bruder, Ruediger C. Braun-Dullaeus, Soenke Weinert
Summary: This study demonstrates for the first time that IL-8 and M-CSF cause stabilization and translocation of HIF-1α into the nucleus under normoxic conditions. TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-1β, and IGF-I also significantly stabilize HIF-1α. Two different kinetics of HIF-1α stabilization under normoxic conditions are observed. Furthermore, HIF-1α stabilization is associated with the development of atherosclerosis and endothelial barrier dysfunction.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ziwei Fu, Fei Wang, Xiyang Liu, Jiajia Hu, Jiahui Su, Xiaohan Lu, Aihua Lu, Jae Min Cho, J. David Symons, Chang-Jiang Zou, Tianxin Yang
Summary: This study demonstrates that sPRR acts as a ligand of the AT1R, contributing to endothelial dysfunction and arterial dysfunction, as well as elevated blood pressure in obese mice. Inhibiting sPRR signaling through the AT1R may be a potential therapeutic intervention for cardiovascular disorders involving hypertension.
Article
Immunology
Noah Sorrelle, Debolina Ganguly, Adrian T. A. Dominguez, Yuqing Zhang, Huocong Huang, Lekh N. Dahal, Natalie Burton, Arturas Ziemys, Rolf A. Brekken
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Huocong Huang, Yuqing Zhang, Valerie Gallegos, Noah Sorrelle, Mohamed Medhat Zaid, Jason Toombs, Wenting Du, Steven Wright, Moriah Hagopian, Zhaoning Wang, Abdel Nasser Hosein, Adwait Amod Sathe, Chao Xing, Eugene J. Koay, Kyla E. Driscoll, Rolf A. Brekken
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2019)
Article
Oncology
Wenting Du, Natalie Z. Phinney, Huocong Huang, Zhaoning Wang, Jill Westcott, Jason E. Toombs, Yuqing Zhang, Muhammad S. Beg, Thomas M. Wilkie, James B. Lorens, Rolf A. Brekken
Summary: The study found that AXL is highly expressed in PDA tumor cells and correlates with markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. AXL deficiency extended survival, reduced primary and metastatic burden, and enhanced sensitivity to gemcitabine in mice. AXL-positive poorly differentiated tumor cells were crucial for PDA progression and metastasis, highlighting the potential of AXL as a therapeutic target.
MOLECULAR CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Yuqing Zhang, Morgan Coleman, Rolf A. Brekken
Summary: Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors that promotes tumor progression and metastasis. Hypoxia, mainly mediated by the HIF family, leads to tumor cell migration, proliferation, metabolic changes, and therapy resistance. Additionally, hypoxia affects various cellular and non-cellular compartments in the tumor stroma, including disordered tumor vasculature and ECM homeostasis. Hypoxia also has complex and sometimes contradictory effects on immune cell function, contributing to an immunosuppressive environment.
Article
Oncology
Yuqing Zhang, Emily N. Arner, Ali Rizvi, Jason E. Toombs, Huocong Huang, Steven L. Warner, Jason M. Foulks, Rolf A. Brekken
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, with resistance to therapy and immunosuppressive microenvironment being major challenges. The AXL inhibitor TP-0903 shows anti-tumor and sensitizing effects in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer, leading to improved prognosis and immune activation.
MOLECULAR CANCER THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yuqing Zhang, Huocong Huang, Morgan Coleman, Arturas Ziemys, Purva Gopal, Syed M. Kazmi, Rolf A. Brekken
Summary: Studies have shown that VEGF induces an immunosuppressive phenotype in VEGFR2* myeloid cells, while VEGF blockade inhibits this phenotype and enhances T cell activation, improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. This indicates the potential of VEGF inhibition in potentiating immune therapy for cancer.
Article
Oncology
Huocong Huang, Zhaoning Wang, Yuqing Zhang, Rachana N. Pradhan, Debolina Ganguly, Raghav Chandra, Gilbert Murimwa, Steven Wright, Xiaowu Gu, Ravikanth Maddipati, Soren Mueller, Shannon J. Turley, Rolf A. Brekken
Summary: Recent studies have identified a unique population of cancer-associated fibroblasts (apCAFs) derived from mesothelial cells, which play a critical role in pancreatic cancer progression. These apCAFs directly induce naive CD4(+) T cells to differentiate into regulatory T cells (Tregs) in an antigen-specific manner.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Yuqing Zhang, Rolf A. Brekken
Summary: The study challenges the functional significance of Tie2-expressing macrophages in tumor angiogenesis and relapse after chemotherapy, highlighting the need for reconsideration of Tie2 as a therapeutic target or prognostic indicator.
Review
Cell Biology
Yuqing Zhang, Rolf A. Brekken
Summary: VEGF is a key factor in tumor angiogenesis and also contributes to tumor immunosuppression. It interferes with immune cell trafficking indirectly through VEGFR activation on endothelial cells and has direct effects on various immune cell types. Targeting VEGF/VEGFRs has shown efficacy in alleviating tumor-associated immunosuppression and has been combined with immunotherapies.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Yuqing Zhang, Jessica L. Ritter, Tran C. Thai, Deborah A. Dillon, David A. Barbie, Thanh U. Barbie
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Huocong Huang, Zhaoning Wang, Yuqing Zhang, Rachana N. Pradhan, Debolina Ganguly, Raghav Chandra, Gilbert Murimwa, Steven Wright, Xiaowu Gu, Ravikanth Maddipati, Soren Muller, Shannon J. Turley, Rolf A. Brekken
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Yuqing Zhang, Huocong Huang, Noah Sorrelle, Rolf Brekken
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Yuqing Zhang, Huocong Huang, Noah Sorrelle, Rolf Brekken
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Saad A. Khan, Noah Sorrelle, Rolf A. Brekken, Rong Lu, Mitchell S. von Itzstein, Donglu Xie, David Hsieh, Yvonne Gloria-McCutchen, Jessica Saltarski, Mary Watters, Benjamin Aaron Bleiberg, Vinita Popat, Murtaza Ahmed, Yuqing Zhang, Farjana Fattah, Shaheen Khan, Jason Park, David E. Gerber
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2020)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Yuqing Zhang, Emily N. Arner, Jason E. Toombs, Jason M. Foulks, Steven L. Warner, Rolf A. Brekken
MOLECULAR CANCER THERAPEUTICS
(2019)