Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule Research Articles

Effects of Nox4 upregulation on PECAM-1 expression in a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. The hallmark features of DR include vascular leakage, capillary loss, retinal ischemia, and aberrant neovascularization. Although the pathophysiology is not fully understood, accumulating evidence supports elevated reactive oxygen species associated with increased activity of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) as major drivers of disease progression. Previously, we have shown that Nox4 upregulation in retinal endothelial cells by diabetes leads to increased vascular leakage by an unknown mechanism. Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) is a cell surface molecule that is highly expressed in endothelial cells and regulates endothelial barrier function. In the present study, using endothelial cell-specific human Nox4 transgenic (TG) mice and endothelial cell-specific Nox4 conditional knockout (cKO) mice, we investigated the impact of Nox4 upregulation on PECAM-1 expression in mouse retinas and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Additionally, cultured human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) transduced with adenovirus overexpressing human Nox4 were used in the study. We found that overexpression of Nox4 increases PECAM-1 mRNA but has no effect on its protein expression in the mouse retina, BMECs, or HRECs. Furthermore, PECAM-1 mRNA and protein expression was unchanged in BMECs isolated from cKO mice compared to wild type (WT) mice with or without 2 months of diabetes. Together, these findings do not support a significant role of Nox4 in the regulation of PECAM-1 expression in the diabetic retina and endothelial cells. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanism of Nox4-induced vascular leakage by investigating other intercellular junctional proteins in endothelial cells and their implications in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.

Breast Cancer Conditioned Media Modulate the Expression of Immune Checkpoints and Adhesion Molecules in Endothelial Cells

Breast Cancer Conditioned Media Modulate the Expression of Immune Checkpoints and Adhesion Molecules in Endothelial Cells

Comparison of storage solutions on saphenous vein endothelial function using immunofluorescence. A pilot study.

Our aim was to establish which of the current and novel storage fluids caused the least harm to the endothelium of the saphenous vein. Unmanipulated samples of saphenous vein were obtained. This vein was exposed to four fluids, DuraGraft®, Plasma-Lyte, autologous blood and sodium chloride, and a control medium. The expression of endothelial selectin (E-selectin) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was measured using confocal microscopy. We identified and quantified platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecules, vascular cell adhesion molecules and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 on the endothelium. The results were widely variable. The protein expression of endothelial selectin (p = .17) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 (p = .73) showed no statistically significant differences in levels of preservation when the different solutions were compared. In this study, we could not determine that any of the solutions were superior at preserving saphenous vein endothelium.

Angiogenic potential in periodontal stem cells from upper and lower jaw: A pilot study.

Teeth and supporting oral tissues are attractive and accessible sources of stem cells. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) are readily isolated from extracted third molars, and exhibit the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple mesodermal cell fates. Clinical experience suggests that the exact location of periodontal defects affects the oral bone remodeling and wound healing. Compared to the mandible, the maxilla heals quicker and more efficiently. Angiogenesis is key in tissue regeneration including dental tissues, yet few studies focus on the angiogenic potential of PDLSC, none of which considered the differences between upper and lower jaw PDLSC (u-PDLSC and l-PDLSC, respectively). Here we studied the angiogenic potential of u-PDLSC and l-PDLSC and compared the results to well-established mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Cells were characterized in terms of surface markers, proliferation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, and angiogenic assays were performed. Newly formed capillaries were stained with CD31, and their expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 and 2 (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2) were measured. Periodontal stem cells from the upper jaw showed a higher proliferation capacity, secreted more VEGF, and formed capillary networks faster and denser than l-PDLSC. Gene expression of angiogenesis-related genes was significantly higher in u-PDLSC than in l-PDLSC or MSC, given that culture conditions were suitable. The oral cavity is a valuable source of stem cells, particularly PDLSC, which are promising for oral tissue engineering due to their robust growth, lifelong accessibility, low immunogenicity, and strong differentiation potential. Notably, u-PDLSC exhibit higher VEGF secretion and accelerate capillary formation compared to l-PDLSC or MSC. This study suggests a potential molecular mechanism in capillary formation, emphasizing the significance of precise location isolation of PDLSC.

Single-nucleus transcriptomics of epicardial adipose tissue from female pigs reveals effects of exercise training on resident innate and adaptive immune cells

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death in women. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) secretes cytokines to modulate coronary artery function, and the release of fatty acids from EAT serves as a readily available energy source for cardiomyocytes. However, despite having beneficial functions, excessive amounts of EAT can cause the secretion of proinflammatory molecules that increase the instability of atherosclerotic plaques and contribute to CAD progression. Although exercise mitigates CAD, the mechanisms by which exercise impacts EAT are unknown. The Yucatan pig is an excellent translational model for the effects of exercise on cardiac function. Therefore, we sought to determine if chronic aerobic exercise promotes an anti-inflammatory microenvironment in EAT from female Yucatan pigs.MethodsSexually mature, female Yucatan pigs (n = 7 total) were assigned to sedentary (Sed, n = 3) or exercise (Ex, n = 4) treatments, and coronary arteries were occluded (O) with an ameroid to mimic CAD or remained non-occluded (N). EAT was collected for bulk (n = 7 total) and single nucleus transcriptomic sequencing (n = 2 total, 1 per exercise treatment).ResultsBased on the bulk transcriptomic analysis, exercise upregulated S100 family, G-protein coupled receptor, and CREB signaling in neurons canonical pathways in EAT. The top networks in EAT affected by exercise as measured by bulk RNA sequencing were SRC kinase family, fibroblast growth factor receptor, Jak-Stat, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Single nucleus transcriptomic analysis revealed that exercise increased the interaction between immune, endothelial, and mesenchymal cells in the insulin-like growth factor pathway and between endothelial and other cell types in the platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 pathway. Sub-clustering revealed nine cell types in EAT, with fibroblast and macrophage populations predominant in O-Ex EAT and T cell populations predominant in N-Ex EAT. Unlike the findings for exercise alone as a treatment, there were not increased interactions between endothelial and mesenchymal cells in O-Ex EAT. Coronary artery occlusion impacted the most genes in T cells and endothelial cells. Genes related to fatty acid metabolism were the most highly upregulated in non-immune cells from O-Ex EAT. Sub-clustering of endothelial cells revealed that N-Ex EAT separated from other treatments.ConclusionsAccording to bulk transcriptomics, exercise upregulated pathways and networks related to growth factors and immune cell communication. Based on single nucleus transcriptomics, aerobic exercise increased cell-to-cell interaction amongst immune, mesenchymal, and endothelial cells in female EAT. Yet, exercise was minimally effective at reversing alterations in gene expression in endothelial and mesenchymal cells in EAT surrounding occluded arteries. These findings lay the foundation for future work focused on the impact of exercise on cell types in EAT.

The Association between Circulating Cytokines and Body Composition in Frail Patients with Cardiovascular Disease.

The burden of cardiovascular disease and the percentage of frail patients in the aging population will increase. This study aims to assess the circulating levels of several cytokines in frail patients. This is an ancillary analysis of the FRAPICA trial. The ratio of men/women changed from robust through frail groups from 3:1 to 1:2. The groups are comparable in terms of age and body measurements analysis (weight, height, and BMI), yet the frail patients have significantly reduced fat-free mass, and more often have been diagnosed with diabetes. Frail patients have higher fibroblast growth factor basic (FGF basic) and follistatin levels (borderline significance). In multiple linear regression modeling of fat-free mass, we identified FGF basic, osteopontin, stem cell factor, soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2, soluble epidermal growth factor receptor, soluble human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, follistatin, prolactin, soluble interleukin 6 receptor alfa, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, soluble vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor 1, leptin, soluble angiopoietin/tyrosine kinase 2, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. We have identified a few cytokines that correlate with fat-free mass, a hallmark of frailty. They comprise the kinins implicated in bone and muscle metabolism, fibrosis, vascular wall function, inflammation, endocrine function, or regulation of bone marrow integrity.

Icariin accelerates bone regeneration by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Icariin (ICA), a natural flavonoid compound monomer, has multiple pharmacological activities. However, its effect on bone defect in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has not yet been examined. AIM To explore the role and potential mechanism of ICA on bone defect in the context of T1DM. METHODS The effects of ICA on osteogenesis and angiogenesis were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Angiogenesis-related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis. A bone defect model was established in T1DM rats. The model rats were then treated with ICA or placebo and micron-scale computed tomography, histomorphometry, histology, and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of ICA on bone formation in the defect area. RESULTS ICA promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The ICA treated-BMSCs showed higher expression levels of osteogenesis-related markers (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) and angiogenesis-related markers (vascular endothelial growth factor A and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) compared to the untreated group. ICA was also found to induce osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs. In the bone defect model T1DM rats, ICA facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive capillary formation. Lastly, ICA effectively accelerated the rate of bone formation in the defect area. CONCLUSION ICA was able to accelerate bone regeneration in a T1DM rat model by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.

MRC1 and LYVE1 expressing macrophages in vascular beds of GNAQ p.R183Q driven capillary malformations in Sturge Weber syndrome

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS), a neurocutaneous disorder, is characterized by capillary malformations (CM) in the skin, brain, and eyes. Patients may suffer from seizures, strokes, and glaucoma, and only symptomatic treatment is available. CM are comprised of enlarged vessels with endothelial cells (ECs) and disorganized mural cells. Our recent finding indicated that the R183Q mutation in ECs leads to heightened signaling through phospholipase Cβ3 and protein kinase C, leading to increased angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2). Furthermore, knockdown of ANGPT2, a crucial mediator of pro-angiogenic signaling, inflammation, and vascular remodeling, in EC-R183Q rescued the enlarged vessel phenotype in vivo. This prompted us to look closer at the microenvironment in CM-affected vascular beds. We analyzed multiple brain histological sections from patients with GNAQ-R183Q CM and found enlarged vessels devoid of mural cells along with increased macrophage-like cells co-expressing MRC1 (CD206, a mannose receptor), CD163 (a scavenger receptor and marker of the monocyte/macrophage lineage), CD68 (a pan macrophage marker), and LYVE1 (a lymphatic marker expressed by some macrophages). These macrophages were not found in non-SWS control brain sections. To investigate the mechanism of increased macrophages in the perivascular environment, we examined THP1 (monocytic/macrophage cell line) cell adhesion to EC-R183Q versus EC-WT under static and laminar flow conditions. First, we observed increased THP1 cell adhesion to EC-R183Q compared to EC-WT under static conditions. Next, using live cell imaging, we found THP1 cell adhesion to EC-R183Q was dramatically increased under laminar flow conditions and could be inhibited by anti-ICAM1. ICAM1, an endothelial cell adhesion molecule required for leukocyte adhesion, was strongly expressed in the endothelium in SWS brain histological sections, suggesting a mechanism for recruitment of macrophages. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that macrophages are an important component of the perivascular environment in CM suggesting they may contribute to the CM formation and SWS disease progression.

Evaluation of the diagnostic utility of MCAM-1 (CD146) in a group of common gynecological cancers: A case-control study.

MCAM-1 (CD146) is an endothelial cell adhesion molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Recent studies have identified CD146 expression as a critical marker for tumor progression, migration, and metastasis in various malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate CD146 immunohistochemical expression in various gynecological cancers. This study was conducted in a tertiary medical center in central India. A total of 49 gynecological cancer cases and 16 site-matched controls were included. The cases comprised 27 cervical, 10 endometrial, 10 ovarian, and two miscellaneous cancers. CD146 immunohistochemistry was performed and assessed for immunoreactivity score (IRS), microvascular density (MVD), and microvascular caliber (MVC). An IRS of 5 or more was considered CD146 positive. The p-values for CD146 positivity for cases vs. control were 0.0531, 0.0580, and 0.007 for cervical, endometrial, and ovarian sites, respectively. The mean MVD was found to be significantly higher in cases compared with benign tissues (p-value <0.00001), and the mean MVC of cases was found to be smaller when compared with the controls (p-value <0.0001). MVD by CD146 was found to be higher in gynecological malignancies, highlighting its role in cancer neo-angiogenesis and its potential therapeutic role. CD146 epithelial expression was also significantly higher in ovarian cancers. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm that this protein may be a potential theognostic target in gynecological cancers.

Long non-coding RNA H19X as a regulator of mononuclear cell adhesion to the endothelium in systemic sclerosis.

To define the functional relevance of H19 X-linked co-expressed lncRNA (H19X) in endothelial cell (EC) activation as a key process in systemic sclerosis (SSc) vasculopathy. H19X expression in SSc skin biopsies was analyzed from single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Differential expression and pathway enrichment analysis between cells expressing (H19Xpos) and non expressing H19X (H19Xneg) cells was performed. H19X function was investigated in human dermal microvascular EC (HDMECs) by silencing. H19X and EC adhesion molecules levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western Blot after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines. Cytoskeletal rearrangements were analyzed by fluorescent staining. Endothelial adhesion was evaluated by co-culture of HDMECs and fluorescent labelled peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Shedding VCAM1 was evaluated by ELISA on HDMEC supernatant. scRNA-seq showed significant upregulation of H19X in SSc compared with healthy EC. In HDMEC, H19X was consistently induced by type I and II interferons. H19X knockdown lead to a significant decrease of the mRNA of several adhesion molecules. Particularly, vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM1) was significantly reduced at protein and mRNA levels. Co-expression analysis of the scRNA-seq data confirmed a higher expression of VCAM1 in (H19Xpos) EC. EC were also strongly associated with the 'cell adhesion molecule' pathway. Moreover, VCAM1 downstream pathway displayed less activation following H19X knockdown. Contractility of HDMEC, PBMC adhesion to HDMEC and VCAM1 shedding were also reduced following H19X knockdown. lncRNA H19X may contribute to EC activation in SSc vasculopathy, acting as a regulator of expression of adhesion molecules in EC.

The role and mechanism of RIPK1 in vascular endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease.

Endothelial dysfunction is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular events, but the mechanism is unclear. In our study, we found elevated levels of RIPK1 in patients with CKD and cardiovascular events through bioinformation analysis. Elevated RIPK1 levels were found in serum samples of CKD patients and were associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and renal function. We constructed the five of six nephrectomy of CKD mice model, finding that RIPK1 expressions were elevated in abdominal aorta endothelial cells. After RIPK1 inhibition and overexpression, it was found that RIPK1 could regulate the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and activation of inflammatory responses and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition, uremic toxin induced abnormal expression of RIPK1 invitro. We observed RIPK1-mediating endothelial dysfunction and inflammation responses by ER stress pathways through gain and loss of function. In order to explore the specific mechanism, we conducted co-immunoprecipitation and expression regulation of RIPK1 and IKK, finding that RIPK1 formed complex with IKK and regulated IKK expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated that RIPK1 levels were closely associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with CKD. With uremic toxins, RIPK1 expression was elevated, which led to the activation of inflammation through the ER stress pathway, resulting in vascular endothelial injury. Besides, activation of RIPK1-IKK-NF-κB axis was a key driver of endothelial dysfunction in CKD. Our study provides a new perspective for the study of cardiovascular events in CKD.

OP30 Endothelial cell-mediated smooth muscle hyperplasia in Crohn’s disease intestinal strictures: Caveolin 1 as a potential therapeutic target

Abstract Background Intestinal stricture is a severe and common complication of Crohn’s disease (CD). Current therapies offer limited success and surgery is often needed. Smooth muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy play a key role in CD stricture development. This study explores the transcriptomic features of fibrostenotic CD, focusing on the endothelial contribution to smooth muscle changes within intestinal strictures. Methods 9 CD patients undergoing surgery for fibrotic strictures were prospectively enrolled. Dissected samples from the stricture and the adjacent proximal and distal non-strictured areas were obtained from fresh specimens collected directly from the operating theatre. RNA was extracted from all samples for bulk-transcriptomic analysis. Differentially expressed genes (adj. p-value &amp;lt;0.05) were identified and pathway enrichment analysis pinpointed relevant pathways. Subsequently, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) analysis was performed using the 10x Chromium Controller® platform. A total of 31.195 cells were sequenced and bioinformatic analysis revealed 13 distinct clusters based on the expression of key lineage target genes. To better characterise the nature of clusters expressing stromal like markers and positioned closely in the UMAP plot, a further subclustering was performed. This resulted in 5 groups, including plasma cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, epithelial cells and dendritic like cells. Results Bulk-transcriptomic analysis identified 81 genes differentially expressed in strictures compared to both proximal and distal regions. Notably, genes associated with leukocyte and macrophage recruitment and chemotaxis, namely Platelet and Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (PECAM1), C-C motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2), and Endothelin Receptor Type B (EDNRB), resulted overexpressed in strictures. scRNAseq identified a distinct subset of endothelial cells (CD34+, PECAM1+). Caveolin 1 (CAV1), a gene encoding for a structural protein predominantly expressed in smooth muscle cell plasma membrane invaginations, was exclusively up-regulated in endothelial cells of ileal stricture samples. Previous research linked CAV1 to smooth muscle proliferation and fibrosis in various organs. Conclusion This study highlights the pivotal role of endothelial cells in CD strictures. The transcriptomic analysis shows the involvement of inflammatory targets featured genes involved in transendothelial immune cell migration. Furthermore, the up-regulation of CAV1 in endothelial cells within stricture segments suggests a mechanistic connection between endothelial cells and smooth muscle hyperplasia in intestinal strictures. CAV1 holds promise as a potential therapeutic target in fibrostenotic CD.

LASSO regression shows histidine and sphingosine 1 phosphate are linked to both sepsis mortality and endothelial damage

Sepsis is a major cause of death worldwide, with a mortality rate that has remained stubbornly high. The current gold standard of risk stratifying sepsis patients provides limited mechanistic insight for therapeutic targeting. An improved ability to predict sepsis mortality and to understand the risk factors would allow better treatment targeting. Sepsis causes metabolic dysregulation in patients; therefore, metabolomics offers a promising tool to study sepsis. It is also known that that in sepsis endothelial cells affecting their function regarding blood clotting and vascular permeability. We integrated metabolomics data from patients admitted to an intensive care unit for sepsis, with commonly collected clinical features of their cases and two measures of endothelial function relevant to blood vessel function, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule and soluble thrombomodulin concentrations in plasma. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized regression, and pathway enrichment analysis to identify features most able to predict 30-day survival. The features important to sepsis survival include carnitines, and amino acids. Endothelial proteins in plasma also predict 30-day mortality and the levels of these proteins also correlate with a somewhat overlapping set of metabolites. Overall metabolic dysregulation, particularly in endothelial cells, may be a contributory factor to sepsis response. By exploring sepsis metabolomics data in conjunction with clinical features and endothelial proteins we have gained a better understanding of sepsis risk factors.

Application and discoveries of metabolomics and proteomics in the study of female infertility.

Female infertility is defined as the absence of clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. This study employed metabolomics and proteomics approaches to investigate the relationship between metabolites and proteins and female infertility. The study used metabolomics and proteomics data from the UK Biobank to identify metabolites and proteins linked to infertility. The results showed that GRAM domain-containing protein 1C and metabolites fibrinogen cleavage peptides ADpSGEGDFXAEGGGVR and 3-Hydroxybutyrate had a positive correlation with infertility, whereas proteins such as Interleukin-3 receptor subunit alpha, Thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 1, Intestinal-type alkaline phosphatase, and platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 exhibited a negative correlation. These findings provide new clues and targets for infertility diagnosis and treatment. However, further research is required to validate these results and gain a deeper understanding of the specific roles of these metabolites and proteins in infertility pathogenesis. In conclusion, metabolomics and proteomics techniques have significant application value in the study of infertility, allowing for a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying infertility and providing new insights and strategies for its diagnosis and treatment. These research findings provide a crucial biological mechanistic basis for early infertility screening, prevention, and treatment.

Kupffer Cell Inactivation Alters Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecules in Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Sepsis.

The activation of Kupffer cells, resident macrophages in the liver, is closely associated with the inflammatory response during sepsis, which leads to multiple-organ failure. However, how Kupffer cell activation affects adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) in sepsis has not been determined. This study investigated Kupffer cell inactivation's (by gadolinium chloride; GdCl3) effects on adhesion molecule expression in CLP-induced sepsis. The induction of sepsis resulted in increased expression of liver and lung ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. GdCl3 pretreatment significantly decreased liver ICAM-1 expression but had no effect on VCAM-1 expression. In contrast, GdCl3 pretreatment had no effect on sepsis-induced increased adhesion molecule expression in the lungs. Similarly, the immunoreactivity of ICAM-1 was decreased in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells but increased in pulmonary endothelial cells in septic mice pretreated with GdCl3. Further, GdCl3 pretreatment had no effect on the immunoreactivity of VCAM-1 in endothelial cells of the liver and lungs. Hence, the findings of this study demonstrate the differential effects of Kupffer cell inactivation on liver and lung adhesion molecules and suggest the complexity of their involvement in the pathophysiology of sepsis.

Involvement of Lysophospholipids in Pulmonary Vascular Functions and Diseases.

Extracellular lysophospholipids (lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingosine 1-phosphate, etc.), which are synthesized from phospholipids in the cell membrane, act as lipid mediators, and mediate various cellular responses in constituent cells in the respiratory system, such as contraction, proliferation, migration, and cytoskeletal organization. In addition to these effects, the expression of the adhesion molecules is enhanced by these extracellular lysophospholipids in pulmonary endothelial cells. These effects are exerted via specific G protein-coupled receptors. Rho, Ras, and phospholipase C (PLC) have been proven to be their signaling pathways, related to Ca2+ signaling due to Ca2+ dynamics and Ca2+ sensitization. Therefore, lysophospholipids probably induce pulmonary vascular remodeling through phenotype changes in smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, likely resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome due to vascular leak, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, lysophospholipids induce the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lungs via the enhancement of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells, potentially leading to the development of asthma. These results demonstrate that lysophospholipids may be novel therapeutic targets not only for injury, fibrosis, and hypertension in the lung, but also for asthma. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of the effects of lysophospholipids on the respiratory system, and the possibility of precision medicine targeting lysophospholipids as treatable traits of these diseases.

The BET inhibitor apabetalone decreases neuroendothelial proinflammatory activation in vitro and in a mouse model of systemic inflammation.

Brain vascular inflammation is characterized by endothelial activation and immune cell recruitment to the blood vessel wall, potentially causing a breach in the blood - brain barrier, brain parenchyma inflammation, and a decline of cognitive function. The clinical-stage small molecule, apabetalone, reduces circulating vascular endothelial inflammation markers and improves cognitive scores in elderly patients by targeting epigenetic regulators of gene transcription, bromodomain and extraterminal proteins. However, the effect of apabetalone on cytokine-activated brain vascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) is unknown. Here, we show that apabetalone treatment of BMVECs reduces hallmarks of in vitro endothelial activation, including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES chemokine secretion, cell surface expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecule VCAM-1, as well as endothelial capture of THP-1 monocytes in static and shear stress conditions. Apabetalone pretreatment of THP-1 downregulates cell surface expression of chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, and CCR5, and of the VCAM-1 cognate receptor, integrin α4. Consequently, apabetalone reduces THP-1 chemoattraction towards soluble CCR ligands MCP-1 and RANTES, and THP-1 adhesion to activated BMVECs. In a mouse model of brain inflammation, apabetalone counters lipopolysaccharide-induced transcription of endothelial and myeloid cell markers, consistent with decreased neuroendothelial inflammation. In conclusion, apabetalone decreases proinflammatory activation of brain endothelial cells and monocytes in vitro and in the mouse brain during systemic inflammation.

INOS inhibitor S-methylisothiourea alleviates smoke inhalation-induced acute lung injury by suppressing inflammation and macrophage infiltration

ObjectiveWe investigated the effects of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, S-methylisothiourea (SMT), in a mouse model of smoke inhalation-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods and analysisA mouse model of smoke inhalation-induced ALI was established. RNA-sequencing (seq) analysis was conducted to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed for functional annotation of DEGs. Moreover, an immunofluorescence assay using macrophage marker F4/80 was performed to assess macrophage infiltration. A hypoxia-induced HUVEC model was used to mimic smoke inhalation-induced injury in endothelial cells. Finally, a transwell assay was used to analyze the chemoattractive effects of endothelial cells on macrophages. ResultsSMT markedly alleviated the pulmonary pathological symptoms, edema, and inflammatory response in the mouse smoke inhalation-induced ALI model. RNA-seq analysis revealed that SMT may diminish lung injury by regulating the levels of genes associated with inflammatory responses, cell chemokines, and adhesion. In vivo data revealed that the protective effects of SMT against smoke inhalation-induced ALI were partly achieved by inhibiting the production of adhesion molecules and infiltration of macrophages. Furthermore, in vitro data from the hypoxia-induced HUVEC model revealed that SMT reduced macrophage chemotaxis by inhibiting the production of chemokines and adhesion molecules in endothelial cells. ConclusioniNOS inhibitor SMT protects the lungs from smoke inhalation-induced ALI by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and chemokines in endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting inflammation and macrophage infiltration.

Tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14 (TNFSF14/ LIGHT) attenuates neovascularization by reducing circulating endothelial progenitor cells and function

Abstract Background Tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14 (TNFSF14) is also known as LT-related inducible ligand that competes for glycoprotein D binding to herpesvirus entry mediator on T cells (LIGHT) can bind to herpesvirus invasion mediator and lymphotoxin-β receptor to perform its biological activity. LIGHT signaling strengthens the synthesis of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and cytokines and affects organ function. LIGHT also stimulates angiogenesis in tumors and induces synthesis of high endothelial venules, degrades extracellular matrix in thoracic aortic dissection, induces the expression of interleukin-8, cyclooxygenase-2, and cell adhesion molecules in endothelial cells. While LIGHT induces tissue inflammation, its effects on angiogenesis after tissue ischemia are unclear. Thus, we analyzed this effect in the current study. Methods C57BL/6 mice underwent hind limb ischemia surgery for model construction. Doppler ultrasound, immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting were employed to analyze the effects of LIGHT on angiogenesis. In addition, human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were used for in vitro studies to analyze the possible mechanisms. Results In the mice, LIGHT injection inhibited angiogenesis in ischemic limbs. In vitro, LIGHT inhibited the expression of integrins and E-selectin; decreased migration and tube formation capabilities, mitochondrial respiration, and succinate dehydrogenase activity; and promoted senescence in EPCs. Western blotting revealed that the impairment of EPC function by LIGHT may be due to its effects on the normal operation of intracellular Akt signaling pathway and endothelial nitrite oxide synthase (eNOS) function. Conclusions LIGHT inhibits angiogenesis after tissue ischemia. LIGHT inhibition of intracellular Akt-eNOS signaling axis and mitochondrial respiration in EPCs impair cell function. These events are the possible causes of impaired angiogenesis.LIGHT decreases the recovery of ischemiaSenescence and dysfunction of EPC

Abstract 16198: Targeting Lipid Nanoparticles to the Blood Brain Barrier to Ameliorate Acute Ischemic Stroke

There are more than 7.6 million new cases of ischemic strokes annually. Despite numerous unsuccessful drug trials for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), one common reason for their failure is the limited concentration of drugs reaching the at-risk penumbra. To address this issue, we have utilized nanotechnology to significantly enhance drug concentrations in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) of the penumbra. The increased BBB permeability during AIS is believed to be detrimental to neurons due to exposure to toxic plasma proteins. To develop drug-loaded nanocarriers targeted to the BBB, we have conjugated them with antibodies that bind to various cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) on the BBB endothelium. In a mouse model of AIS induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, we compared the accessibility of nanocarriers targeting platelet endothelial CAM (PECAM), intercellular CAM (ICAM), and vascular CAM (VCAM), including liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNP). VCAM-targeted liposomes exhibited significantly higher uptake in the ipsilateral hemisphere compared to the contralateral counterpart, and superior targeting with a 2.5-fold higher uptake than ICAM, 1.9-fold higher than PECAM, and 20-fold higher than the untargeted control IgG counterpart (A). Similarly, VCAM-targeted LNP displayed a 3.4-fold, 2.4-fold, and 12.2-fold higher uptake than ICAM, PECAM, and IgG, respectively (B). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that VCAM-targeted liposomes were primarily associated with endothelial cells and leukocytes (C). In a therapeutic study, VCAM-targeted dexamethasone-loaded liposomes or IL-10 mRNA-loaded LNP reduced the infarct volume by 35% and 73%, respectively (D). VCAM/IL-10 mRNA LNP also achieved a 100% survival rate (E) and elevated plasma levels of IL-10. In conclusion, VCAM-targeted lipid nanoparticles provide a novel platform for effectively concentrating drugs within the compromised BBB of the penumbra, thereby improving the outcomes of AIS.