Potential Mechanisms Linking Atherosclerosis and Increased Cardiovascular Risk in COPD: Focus On Sirtuins

Graziamaria Corbi,Aurora Daniele,Gennaro Mazzarella,Federica Fatica,Viviana Turchiarelli,Michele Cellurale,Andrea Bianco,Nicola Ferrara

doi:10.3390/ijms140612696

Abstract

The development of atherosclerosis is a multi-step process, at least in part controlled by the vascular endothelium function. Observations in humans and experimental models of atherosclerosis have identified monocyte recruitment as an early event in atherogenesis. Chronic inflammation is associated with ageing and its related diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Recently it has been discovered that Sirtuins (NAD+-dependent deacetylases) represent a pivotal regulator of longevity and health. They appear to have a prominent role in vascular biology and regulate aspects of age-dependent atherosclerosis. Many studies demonstrate that SIRT1 exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in vitro (e.g., fatty acid-induced inflammation), in vivo (e.g., atherosclerosis, sustainment of normal immune function in knock-out mice) and in clinical studies (e.g., patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Because of a significant reduction of SIRT1 in rodent lungs exposed to cigarette smoke and in lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), activation of SIRT1 may be a potential target for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy. We review the inflammatory mechanisms involved in COPD-CVD coexistence and the potential role of SIRT1 in the regulation of these systems.

Highlights

In the last decades the worldwide population has exhibited an increasing life expectancy with a consequent rise in the elderly population, resulting in enhanced health and social costs
Ageing-related inflammation has been associated with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atherosclerosis [4]
Growing clinical-epidemiological evidence indicates that COPD might be an independent risk factor for CVD, which, in turn, is a leading cause of death in patients with COPD

Summary

Introduction

In the last decades the worldwide population has exhibited an increasing life expectancy with a consequent rise in the elderly population, resulting in enhanced health and social costs. Ageing is accompanied by a decline in the healthy functioning of multiple organ systems, leading to an increased incidence of mortality from diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular and respiratory disorders [1]. Ageing-related inflammation has been associated with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atherosclerosis [4]. Growing evidence indicates that COPD might be an independent risk factor for CVD and, at the same time, CVD patients may exhibit the coexistence of COPD [5]. The mechanisms by which CVD and COPD coexist need to be further elucidated. The review focuses on the potential mechanisms involved in COPD-CVD coexistence and whether.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation

COPD and CVD

Sirtuins and Atherosclerosis

Sirtuins and COPD

Findings

Conclusions