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.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Areti Sofogianni, Konstantinos Tziomalos, Triantafyllia Koletsa, Apostolos G. Pitoulias, Lemonia Skoura, Georgios A. Pitoulias
Summary: Carotid atherosclerosis is a major cause of ischemic strokes. Early identification of vulnerable carotid plaques is crucial for determining high-risk patients for stroke, and the potential role of serum biomarkers in this identification process is discussed in this review.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yan Cai, Jichao Pan, Zhiyong Li
Summary: The study presents a mathematical model to evaluate the influences of intraplaque neovascularization and hemorrhage on vulnerable plaque development. The simulation results showed that high microvessel density region and extravascular flow across the leaky wall of the neovasculature contribute to intraplaque hemorrhage in vulnerable plaques. The sensitivity analysis of model parameters indicated that reducing microvessel density and wall permeability of the neovasculature can significantly decrease the IPH area and extent.
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
Tagedpdavid Skoloudik, Petra Kesnerova, Jaroslav Vomacka, Tomas Hrbac, David Netuka, Serhyi Forostyak, Martin Roubec, Roman Herzig, Tomas Belsan
Summary: This study using shear-wave elastography (SWE) found that asymptomatic stable carotid plaques had significantly higher elasticity compared to asymptomatic progressive and symptomatic plaques. SWE proved to be a helpful modality in differentiating between stable and unstable atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Max Lenz, Christoph Kaun, Konstantin A. Krychtiuk, Patrick Haider, Mira Brekalo, Nadine Maier, Laura Goederle, Christoph J. Binder, Kurt Huber, Christian Hengstenberg, Johann Wojta, Philipp J. Hohensinner, Walter S. Speidl
Summary: The study found that nicorandil has a positive effect on stabilizing atherosclerotic plaque by reducing apoptosis.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Shi-Yao Gu, Lu-Ni Zhang, Jing Chen, Fang Li, Ming-Hua Yao, Cai-Xia Jia, Rong Wu
Summary: This study investigated the associations of carotid plaque morphology and location with intraplaque neovascularization (IPN). The results showed that IPN grade was significantly associated with plaque morphology and location, with higher grades observed among Type III morphology and common carotid artery plaques. There was also a significant negative association between IPN grade and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. After adjusting for confounding factors, plaque morphology and location, as well as HDL-C, remained significantly associated with IPN grade. Therefore, carotid plaque location and morphology could serve as biomarkers for plaque vulnerability, and HDL-C may play a role in the management of carotid atherosclerosis.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Shuai Zhang, Hui Gu, Xinxin Yu, Bing Kang, Xianshun Yuan, Ximing Wang
Summary: The study revealed a strong association between perivascular adipose tissue and intraplaque hemorrhage in the carotid artery. PFD could serve as a novel marker for identifying carotid IPH and risk stratification.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Runqing Huang, J. Kevin DeMarco, Hideki Ota, Thanila A. Macedo, Sahar S. Abdelmoneim, John I. I. I. I. I. I. Huston, Patricia A. Pellikka, Sharon L. Mulvagh
Summary: Combining stress echocardiography (SE) with carotid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) may provide incremental prognostic value for predicting the occurrence of cardiovascular events beyond clinical risk factors or either test alone. Carotid CEUS detected intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) and localized to plaque shoulder was found to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients referred for SE.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Russell Yanofsky, Carina Sancho, Karina Gasbarrino, Huaien Zheng, Robert J. Doonan, Fanny Jaunet, Samantha Steinmetz-Wood, John P. Veinot, Chi Lai, Stella S. Daskalopoulou
Summary: The study found that mRNA expression of resistin and chemerin was lower in unstable plaques compared to stable plaques, while protein expression of resistin and chemerin was higher in unstable plaques. There was no difference in ChemR23 mRNA expression. The results suggest that these adipokines may play different roles in the pathogenesis of carotid atherosclerotic plaques.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yan Song, Ying Dang, Jichang Wang, Hui Cai, Jun Feng, Hongmei Zhang, Litao Ruan
Summary: The study found that intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) detected through CEUS can independently predict the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence in patients with recent strokes and carotid atherosclerosis. IPN may be an earlier indicator than carotid stenosis in predicting stroke recurrence, helping in risk stratification.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Atsushi Sakamoto, Kenichiro Suwa, Rika Kawakami, Alexandra V. Finn, Yuichiro Maekawa, Renu Virmani, Aloke V. Finn
Summary: Acute coronary syndromes due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is a major contributor to plaque progression, causing sudden plaque volume increase and destabilization. Recent studies have revealed the intricate cellular interactions and molecular mechanisms involved in IPH. Advances in diagnostic imaging modalities have allowed for in vivo identification of IPH, which has been shown to be a reliable prognostic indicator of high-risk plaque. This review discusses the significance of IPH on the development of high-risk plaque from both basic and clinical perspectives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Daniele Fresilli, Nicola Di Leo, Ombretta Martinelli, Luca Di Marzo, Patrizia Pacini, Vincenzo Dolcetti, Giovanni Del Gaudio, Fabrizio Canni, Ludovica Isabella Ricci, Corrado De Vito, Corrado Caiazzo, Raffaella Carletti, Cira Di Gioia, Iacopo Carbone, Steven B. Feinstein, Carlo Catalano, Vito Cantisani
Summary: The study aimed to assess the efficacy of Multiparametric Ultrasound (MPUS) in evaluating carotid plaque vulnerability and carotid stenosis degree. The results showed that the combination of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) and 3D Arterial Analysis can be a powerful clinical tool to identify and stratify at-risk patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery disease.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Zhe Huang, Xue-Qing Cheng, Ya-Ni Liu, Xiao-Jun Bi, You-Bin Deng
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between carotid plaque enhancement on perfluorobutane microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and future recurrent stroke, and to determine whether plaque enhancement can contribute to risk assessment for recurrent stroke compared with the Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS). The results showed that carotid plaque enhancement was an independent predictor of recurrent stroke and adding plaque enhancement to the ESRS improved risk stratification capability.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
G. Cerrone, D. Fanni, M. L. Lai, C. Gerosa, R. Cau, A. Balestrieri, G. Orru, G. Senes, G. Faa, L. Saba
Summary: The study evaluated the presence of plasma cells in carotid artery plaques and found that plasma cells could be a key parameter linked to plaque instability, with certain configurations significantly associated with the occurrence of cerebrovascular symptoms.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Dongye Li, Huiyu Qiao, Yongjun Han, Hualu Han, Dandan Yang, Jingli Cao, Huimin Xu, Tao Wang, Yajie Wang, Jun Shen, Xihai Zhao
Summary: This study validates the superiority of SNAP sequence over traditional MP-RAGE sequence in identifying and quantifying carotid intraplaque hemorrhage, as demonstrated by histology.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Fabiana Baganha, Alwin de Jong, J. Wouter Jukema, Paul H. A. Quax, Margreet R. de Vries
Summary: Obstructive arterial disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Venous bypass graft surgery is commonly used despite its failure rate. Vein grafts can fail due to factors like vessel wall remodeling, inflammation, and accelerated atherosclerosis. New insights into the role of immunity in vein graft failure may lead to potential therapeutic options for improving patency.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
T. Truc My Nguyen, M. Leontien Van der Bent, Marieke J. H. Wermer, Ido R. van den Wijngaard, Erik W. van Zwet, Bas de Groot, Paul H. A. Quax, Nyika D. Kruyt, Anne Yael Nossent
Summary: This study found that tRNA-derived fragments can serve as promising novel biomarkers to distinguish between acute IS, ICH, SM, and healthy controls.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
M. R. Vries, M. M. Ewing, R. C. M. Jong, M. R. MacArthur, J. C. Karper, E. A. B. Peters, M. Nordzell, S. A. P. Karabina, D. Sexton, I Dahlbom, A. Bergman, J. R. Mitchell, J. Frostegard, J. Kuiper, E. Ninio, J. W. Jukema, K. Pettersson, P. H. A. Quax
Summary: The study developed a monoclonal PC IgG antibody with anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties, which can effectively reduce vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis development. Recombinant human monoclonal IgG1 anti-PC antibodies were identified by phage display, specifically binding PC, apoptotic cells, and oxLDL, providing a new strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2021)
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
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Joost Brinks, Elon H. C. van Dijk, Szymon M. Kielbasa, Hailiang Mei, Isa van der Veen, Hendrika A. B. Peters, Hetty C. M. Sips, Robbert G. E. Notenboom, Paul H. A. Quax, Camiel J. F. Boon, Onno C. Meijer
Summary: Glucocorticoid receptor plays a predominant role in mediating the response to cortisol in human choroidal endothelial cells (CECs). Interindividual differences are important determinants in the cortisol response of human cultured CECs, while intrinsic sex differences appear to be less pronounced. Target genes such as ZBTB16 show a marked response to cortisol in endothelial cells and may have a potential role in the pathophysiology of CSC and other vascular conditions.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Review
Ophthalmology
J. Brinks, E. H. C. van Dijk, I Klaassen, R. O. Schlingemann, S. M. Kielbasa, E. Emri, P. H. A. Quax, A. A. Bergen, O. C. Meijer, C. J. F. Boon
Summary: The choroid plays a crucial role in maintaining ocular homeostasis and is involved in various chorioretinal diseases. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing have provided valuable insights into the characteristics of choroidal endothelial cells (CECs).
PROGRESS IN RETINAL AND EYE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Olga Tura-Ceide, Valerie F. E. D. Smolders, Nuria Aventin, Constanza Moren, Mariona Guitart-Mampel, Isabel Blanco, Lucilla Piccari, Jeisson Osorio, Cristina Rodriguez, Montserrat Rigol, Nuria Solanes, Andrea Malandrino, Kondababu Kurakula, Marie Jose Goumans, Paul H. A. Quax, Victor Peinado, Manuel Castella, Joan Albert Barbera
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzed the endothelial function, molecular signature, and mitochondrial profile of CTEPH-derived endothelial cells, revealing a hyperproliferative phenotype with increased expression of adhesion molecules, decreased apoptosis, eNOS activity, and migration capacity compared to healthy endothelial cells. Furthermore, CTEPH-EC exhibited altered mitochondrial dynamics, increased mitochondrial respiration, and an unbalanced production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants. Modulation of redox, mitochondrial homeostasis, and adhesion molecule overexpression could be potential novel targets and biomarkers in treating CTEPH.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eva van Ingen, Daphne A. L. van den Homberg, M. Leontien van der Bent, Hailiang Mei, Nikolina Papac-Milicevic, Veerle Kremer, Reinier A. Boon, Paul H. A. Quax, Johann Wojta, A. Yael Nossent
Summary: This study aimed to elucidate the function and mechanism of DLK1-DIO3 snoRNAs associated with cardiovascular disease. Through overexpression or inhibition of AF357425 in murine fibroblasts, the researchers found that these snoRNAs regulate pre-mRNA processing and protein expression. Additionally, they identified methylation modifications in integrin pathway genes using RNA-Seq, and observed decreased methylation and expression under SNORD113-6 inhibition in both mouse and human fibroblasts.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eveline A. C. Goossens, Licheng Zhang, Margreet R. de Vries, J. Wouter Jukema, Paul H. A. Quax, A. Yael Nossent
Summary: Inhibition of miR-329-3p and miR-495-3p from the 14q32 locus improves post-ischemic neovascularization. The absence of CIRBP enhances post-ischemic angiogenesis by downregulating the expression of these microRNAs. CIRBP acts as a negative regulator of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, partly through the modulation of miR-329-3p and miR-495-3p.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisabeth Deindl, Paul H. A. Quax
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daphne A. L. van den Homberg, Reginald V. C. T. van der Kwast, Paul H. A. Quax, A. Yael Nossent
Summary: N-6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common post-transcriptional RNA modification that can be dynamically regulated by enzymes. This study investigates the role of m6A methylation in fibroblasts, specifically focusing on vasoactive microRNAs. The research found that hypoxia increases m6A levels in mature microRNAs, and METTL4 is the enzyme responsible for this increase. Additionally, the study reveals that microRNA m6A modification directly affects downstream target mRNA repression. These findings highlight the regulatory potential of microRNA modifications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Letter
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Joost Brinks, Elon H. C. van Dijk, Robbert G. E. Notenboom, Paul H. A. Quax, Camiel J. F. Boon, Onno C. Meijer
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vincent Q. Sier, Alwin de Jong, Paul H. A. Quax, Margreet R. de Vries
Summary: This study quantified vascular remodeling and blood flow changes in murine VG and AVF models using ultra-high-frequency ultrasound imaging. Results showed significantly increased wall volume and outward remodeling in Apoe3*Leiden mice, whereas wall volume remained constant in C57BL/ 6J mice. For VGs, there was a decrease in proximal pulsatility index, resistive index, and peak systolic velocity, and an increase in maximum acceleration in the distal region. Distinct flow patterns were observed in AVFs compared to control carotid arteries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabiana Baganha, Thijs J. Sluiter, Rob C. M. de Jong, Louise A. van Alst, Hendrika A. B. Peters, J. Wouter Jukema, Mirela Delibegovic, Knut Pettersson, Paul H. A. Quax, Margreet R. de Vries
Summary: Based on the study in mice VG, PC-mAb can effectively inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic lesions by reducing IPA and IPH, decreasing neovessel density and macrophages influx, and increasing neovessel maturation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
J. Brinks, Elon H. C. Van Dijk, Szymon M. Kielbasa, Hailang Mei, Paul H. A. Quax, Onno. C. Meijer, Camiel J. F. Boon
ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
(2021)