Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Floriana Maria Farina, Simone Serio, Ignacio Fernando Hall, Stefania Zani, Giada Andrea Cassanmagnago, Montserrat Climent, Efrem Civilini, Gianluigi Condorelli, Manuela Quintavalle, Leonardo Elia
Summary: DOT1L inhibition in VSMCs significantly reduces atherosclerosis progression by directly modulating Nf-kappa B1 and Nf-kappa B2 transcription, which are master regulators of inflammation inducing expression of CCL5 and CXCL10 cytokines, key in atherosclerosis development. DOT1L could be a promising therapeutic target for vascular diseases as its inhibition reduces plaque progression.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Megumi Miyabe, Nobuhisa Nakamura, Tomokazu Saiki, Satoru Miyabe, Mizuho Ito, Sachiko Sasajima, Tomomi Minato, Tatsuaki Matsubara, Keiko Naruse
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death globally, and there is a correlation between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis. This study used Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived LPS (Pg-LPS) to investigate the proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). The results suggest that Pg-LPS promotes atherosclerosis through the activation of the TLR4-MAPK signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Deborah D. Chin, Christopher Poon, Jonathan Wang, Johan Joo, Victor Ong, Zhangjingyi Jiang, Kayley Cheng, Anastasia Plotkin, Gregory A. Magee, Eun Ji Chung
Summary: The delivery of miR-145 micelles to VSMCs shows promise in mitigating atherosclerosis progression by altering cell phenotypes and reducing plaque growth. In mouse experiments, miR-145 micelles significantly inhibited the advancement of atherosclerosis.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Alessandro L. Gallina, Urszula Rykaczewska, Robert C. Wirka, April S. Caravaca, Vladimir S. Shavva, Mohamad Youness, Glykeria Karadimou, Mariette Lengquist, Anton Razuvaev, Gabrielle Paulsson-Berne, Thomas Quertermous, Anton Gistera, Stephen G. Malin, Laura Tarnawski, Ljubica Matic, Peder S. Olofsson
Summary: Glutamate receptors and related enzymes were identified in VSMCs from human atherosclerotic lesions, with AMPA-type glutamate receptors playing a role in VSMC phenotypic modulation. Lower mRNA levels of GRIA1 and GRIA2 in atherosclerotic lesions were associated with adverse clinical events, suggesting the importance of further exploring neurotransmitter signaling in the pathogenesis of human atherosclerosis.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu Jiang, Hai-Yan Qian
Summary: Atherosclerosis (AS) is the accumulation of lipids and inflammatory debris in the arterial wall, leading to gradual occlusion of the arterial lumen. Despite therapeutic advances, AS remains the most common cause of cardiovascular diseases and the main mechanism of death and disability worldwide. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a crucial role in AS, with remarkable plasticity and involvement in various processes such as phenotypic transformation, proliferation, migration, calcification, and apoptosis. Transcription factors and complex interactions of conserved cis-regulatory elements are key in the transcriptional regulation of VSMC genes, and manipulating transcription factors can regulate the development of atherosclerotic lesions.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mandy O. J. Grootaert, Martin R. Bennett
Summary: Vascular smooth muscle cells play a key role in atherosclerosis by forming a protective fibrous cap and exhibiting various phenotypes that can affect plaque formation and stability. They are a larger proportion of atherosclerotic plaques than previously thought and their plasticity is regulated by various mechanisms.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
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)
Review
Cell Biology
Genmao Cao, Xuezhen Xuan, Jie Hu, Ruijing Zhang, Haijiang Jin, Honglin Dong
Summary: Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are highly plastic and can switch into synthetic VSMCs to repair vascular injury. Multiple phenotypes of VSMCs have been discovered in vascular aging, atherosclerosis, and aortic aneurysm. The transformation of VSMCs is regulated by various factors such as transcription factors, growth factors, and non-coding RNAs.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Katherine M. Owsiany, Rebecca A. Deaton, Karen G. Soohoo, Anh Tram Nguyen, Gary K. Owens
Summary: This study investigates the contribution of MCP1 produced by classical smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and Lgals3-transitioned SMCs in atherosclerosis. The results show that MCP1 produced by classical SMCs has an atheroprotective effect, while MCP1 produced by Lgals3-transitioned SMCs exacerbates plaque pathogenesis. These findings highlight the need for caution when considering therapeutic interventions involving MCP1.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriel Hoi-Huen Chan, Enoch Chan, Carsten Tsun-Ka Kwok, George Pak-Heng Leung, Simon Ming-Yuen Lee, Sai-Wang Seto
Summary: Ageing is a risk factor for degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The tumor suppressor gene p53 may play a regulatory role in vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Further studies are needed to fully understand the effects of p53 in cardiovascular function and its therapeutic potential.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Hematology
Ashish Misra, Rajan Rehan, Alexander Lin, Sanjay Patel, Edward A. Fisher
Summary: Clonal expansion plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis, particularly in smooth muscle cells and macrophages. Recent studies have revealed the contribution of clonal expansion to disease pathology and provided innovative directions for future therapies of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabienne Burger, Daniela Baptista, Aline Roth, Rafaela Fernandes da Silva, Fabrizio Montecucco, Francois Mach, Karim J. Brandt, Kapka Miteva
Summary: The study demonstrated that oxLDL-activated monocytes can directly affect VSMCs in a co-culture system, leading to reduced expression of certain markers and upregulation of others, as well as activation of caspase 1, secretion of IL-1 beta, and pyroptosis in VSMCs. The activation of VSMC NLRP3 inflammasome by monocytes may play a detrimental role in atherosclerotic plaque stability in human atherosclerosis, as evidenced by findings in both mice and human atherosclerotic plaques.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christina Wenglen, Isak Demirel, Anna Göthlin Eremo, Magnus Grenegard, Geena Paramel
Summary: Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a crucial role in intimal thickening and atherosclerosis progression. This study identified the expression of the 5-HT2B receptor in human atherosclerotic lesions and its positive correlation with VSMC markers. Additionally, a selective inhibitor of the 5-HT2B receptor was found to effectively inhibit TGF131-induced collagen and CTGF production through blocking the phospho-Smad2-mediated downstream signaling. This HTR2B/TGF-131/Phospho-Smad2 pathway is critical for VSMC differentiation regulation, suggesting the 5-HT2B receptor as a potential therapeutic target for limiting TGF-131-induced VSMC differentiation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Nikolaos T. Skenteris, Till Seime, Anna Witasp, Eva Karlof, Grzegorz B. Wasilewski, Marina A. Heuschkel, Armand M. G. Jaminon, Loureen Oduor, Robert Dzhanaev, Malin Kronqvist, Mariette Lengquist, Frederique E. C. M. Peeters, Magnus Soderberg, Rebecka Hultgren, Joy Roy, Lars Maegdefessel, Hildur Arnardottir, Eva Bengtsson, Isabel Goncalves, Thomas Quertermous, Claudia Goettsch, Peter Stenvinkel, Leon J. Schurgers, Ljubica Matic
Summary: Recent studies have found a correlation between plasma and tissue levels of osteomodulin (OMD) and cardiovascular calcification, suggesting the potential of OMD as a clinical biomarker. OMD was found to be present in calcified cardiovascular tissues and was induced by pro-inflammatory and pro-osteogenic stimuli. Furthermore, the presence of OMD in the extracellular environment attenuated smooth muscle cell (SMC) calcification.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karim J. Brandt, Fabienne Burger, Daniela Baptista, Aline Roth, Rafaela Fernandes da Silva, Fabrizio Montecucco, Francois Mach, Kapka Miteva
Summary: The study revealed the crucial role of GDF10 in the phenotypic switch of VSMCs, which may have a detrimental impact on the stability of atherosclerotic plaques and increase the risk of carotid artery disease (CAD) events.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Seyong Chung, Young-Guk Ko, Jung Sun Kim, Byeong-Keuk Kim, Chul-Min Ahn, Sungha Park, Sung-Jin Hong, Sang-Hak Lee, Donghoon Choi
Summary: This study compared the adherence and efficacy of an olmesartan/rosuvastatin fixed-dose combination with the usual regimen for cardiovascular disease. It found excellent and similar adherence between the groups, while the reduction in LDL-C level was greater in the fixed-dose combination group.
CARDIOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hyo Suk Nam, Young Dae Kim, Jin Kyo Choi, Minyoul Baik, Byung Moon Kim, Dong Joon Kim, JoonNyung Heo, Dong Hoon Shin, Kyung-Yul Lee, Yo Han Jung, Jang-Hyun Baek, Yang-Ha Hwang, Sung-Il Sohn, Jeong-Ho Hong, Hyungjong Park, Chi Kyung Kim, Gyu Sik Kim, Kwon-Duk Seo, Kijeong Lee, Jung Hwa Seo, Oh Young Bang, Woo-Keun Seo, Jong-Won Chung, Jun Young Chang, Sun U. Kwon, Jun Lee, Jinkwon Kim, Joonsang Yoo, Tae-Jin Song, Seong Hwan Ahn, Bang-Hoon Cho, Han-Jin Cho, Jae Guk Kim, Yoonkyung Chang, Chan Joo Lee, Sungha Park, Goeun Park, Hye S. Lee
Summary: The study aims to investigate the impact of blood pressure management on the prognosis of stroke patients after successful recanalization following intra-arterial treatment, with the results providing evidence for the effectiveness of active blood pressure control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Sungha Park
HYPERTENSION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Minjae Yoon, Namki Hong, Jaehyung Ha, Chan Joo Lee, Cheol Ryong Ku, Yumie Rhee, Sungha Park
Summary: This study evaluated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of primary aldosteronism in Korean hypertension patients. The results showed a higher prevalence of primary aldosteronism among Korean hypertensive patients than previously recognized, and it was associated with more severe target organ damage and higher blood pressure levels.
HYPERTENSION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Kyeong-Hyeon Chun, Jung Mi Park, Chan Joo Lee, Jaewon Oh, Sungha Park, Seok-Min Kang, Sang-Hak Lee
Summary: Statin use was not associated with cardiovascular risk reduction in high-risk individuals with normal or near normal coronary arteries.
JOURNAL OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND THROMBOSIS
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Jong Hyun Jhee, Donghwan Oh, Jiwon Seo, Chan Joo Lee, Min-Yu Chung, Jung Tak Park, Seung Hyeok Han, Shin-Wook Kang, Sungha Park, Tae-Hyun Yoo
Summary: This study evaluated the association between short-term blood pressure variability and kidney disease outcomes in hypertensive patients. The results showed that short-term blood pressure variability is associated with the development of kidney disease outcome in hypertensive patients, independent of 24-hour blood pressure levels.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF KIDNEY DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Tae-Hyun Yoo, Soon Jun Hong, Sunggyun Kim, Seokjoon Shin, Dong Ki Kim, Jung Pyo Lee, Sang Youb Han, Sangho Lee, Jong Chul Won, Young Sun Kang, Jongha Park, Byoung-Geun Han, Ki-Ryang Na, Kyu Yeon Hur, Yong-Jin Kim, Sungha Park
Summary: This study compares the antiproteinuric effects of fimasartan and losartan in patients with diabetic kidney disease. The results show that fimasartan significantly reduces albuminuria compared to losartan, even after adjusting for systolic blood pressure levels. There were no significant differences in adverse events between the two drugs.
HYPERTENSION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Kazuomi Kario, Ji-Guang Wang, Yook-Chin Chia, Tzung-Dau Wang, Yan Li, Saulat Siddique, Jinho Shin, Yuda Turana, Peera Buranakitjaroen, Chen-Huan Chen, Hao-Min Cheng, Minh Van Huynh, Jennifer Nailes, Apichard Sukonthasarn, Yuqing Zhang, Jorge Sison, Arieska Ann Soenarta, Sungha Park, Guru Prasad Sogunuru, Jam Chin Tay, Boon Wee Teo, Kelvin Tsoi, Narsingh Verma, Satoshi Hoshide
Summary: Morning hypertension is an important clinical target for blood pressure control, with two types: morning surge type and sustained hypertension type. Both increase the risk of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Asians are more susceptible to morning hypertension, making its management especially important in Asia.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION
(2022)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Praew Kotruchin, Thanat Tangpaisarn, Thapanawong Mitsungnern, Apichard Sukonthasarn, Satoshi Hoshide, Yuda Turana, Saulat Siddique, Peera Buranakitjaroen, Minh Van Huynh, Yook-Chin Chia, Sungha Park, Chen-Huan Chen, Jennifer Nailes, Jam Chin Tay, Ji-Guang Wang, Kazuomi Kario
Summary: Hypertensive emergencies have varying prevalence rates across Asia, with stroke being the most common complication. Despite high hospitalization rates, the mortality rate remains low. The lack of data emphasizes the need for a multinational data repository and guidelines for managing hypertensive emergencies in Asian populations.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rachel Marjorie Wei Wen Tseng, Tyler Hyungtaek Rim, Eduard Shantsila, Joseph K. Yi, Sungha Park, Sung Soo Kim, Chan Joo Lee, Sahil Thakur, Simon Nusinovici, Qingsheng Peng, Hyeonmin Kim, Geunyoung Lee, Marco Yu, Yih-Chung Tham, Ameet Bakhai, Paul Leeson, Gregory Y. H. Lip, Tien Yin Wong, Ching-Yu Cheng
Summary: This study aims to validate a novel cardiovascular disease risk stratification system (Reti-CVD) based on retinal photographs. The results show that Reti-CVD accurately predicts cardiovascular events and helps discern the borderline risk group. This study is of great significance for early intervention in cardiovascular disease.
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Sungha Park, Jinho Shin, Sang Hyun Ihm, Kwang-il Kim, Hack-Lyoung Kim, Hyeon Chang Kim, Eun Mi Lee, Jang Hoon Lee, Shin Young Ahn, Eun Joo Cho, Ju Han Kim, Hee-Taik Kang, Hae-Young Lee, Sunki Lee, Woohyeun Kim, Jong-Moo Park
Summary: The prevalence of resistant hypertension is expected to rise due to the increasing prevalence of obesity, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes, all of which are associated with resistant hypertension. Common issues in patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension include pseudoresistant hypertension and non-adherence. Screening for secondary causes and emphasizing drug adherence through methods such as home blood pressure monitoring are important in managing resistant hypertension.
CLINICAL HYPERTENSION
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Minjae Yoon, Chan Joo Lee, Sungha Park, Sang-Hak Lee
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome benefits of statins in patients classified as low to moderate cardiovascular risk but with carotid plaques. The results suggest that the benefit of statin therapy may be limited in this population.
KOREAN CIRCULATION JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ga Hye Lee, Jee Youn Lee, Jiyeon Jang, Yeon Jun Kang, Seung Ah Choi, Hyeon Chang Kim, Sungha Park, Myoung Soo Kim, Won-Woo Lee
Summary: Kidney transplant (KT) is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease. The immunosuppressant anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) treatment may contribute to the accumulation of senescent T cells, leading to potential long-term clinical implications for kidney transplant patients. Therefore, comprehensive and long-term immune monitoring is necessary for these patients.
CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Sang-Hyun Ihm, Jae-Hyeong Park, Jang Young Kim, Ju-Han Kim, Kwang-Il Kim, Eun Mi Lee, Hae-Young Lee, Sungha Park, Jinho Shin, Cheol-Ho Kim
Summary: Home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) is advantageous in diagnosing and treating various issues related to hypertension and has shown better predictive values in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than office blood pressure monitoring.
CLINICAL HYPERTENSION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chan Joo Lee, Jung-Hoon Sung, Tae-Soo Kang, Sungha Park, Sang-Hak Lee, Jong-Youn Kim, Byeong-Kuek Kim
Summary: This study compared the effects of telmisartan and amlodipine on glucose metabolism in hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) requiring high-intensity rosuvastatin therapy. The results showed that telmisartan did not decrease the insulin resistance, but preserved insulin secretion, leading to a regression from IFG to normal glucose levels and preventing the onset of new-onset diabetes mellitus.