Molecule-1 sVCAM-1 Research Articles

8254 The Risk Of Thrombotic Complications In Patients With Post-COVID Syndrome Is High Even With Normal Coagulogram Values

Abstract Disclosure: A. Alieva: None. The high risk of thrombotic complications in patients with diabetes, even more increased in the post-Covid period, requires practicing physicians to be especially vigilant and carefully monitor the state of the hemostatic system and the function of the vascular endothelium. Routine laboratory tests may be insufficient for dynamic monitoring and timely detection of abnormalities. In this article, the author proposes the determination of cell adhesion molecules as a predictor of thrombotic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the post-Covid period. In our current study, VCAM-1 levels were elevated in all patients with type 2 diabetes within 24 months of COVID-19 infection and were not associated with increased von Willebrand factor or D-dimer or other coagulation abnormalities. This means that routine determination of coagulogram, D-dimer and von Willebrand factor may miss the stage of prothrombotic changes in the microvasculature. It is possible that an increase in the level of cell adhesion molecules precedes the appearance of other abnormalities in the hemostasiogram. Therefore, for patients with type 2 diabetes after a coronavirus infection with normal coagulogram values, it seems promising to determine the level of VCAM-1 molecules to prevent the occurrence of thrombotic complications. In addition, monitoring this indicator may be useful in determining the effectiveness of preventive therapy. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Ultrasound molecular imaging for early detection of acute renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Microcirculatory perfusion disorder and inflammatory response are critical links in acute kidney injury (AKI). We aim to construct anti-vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) targeted microbubbles (TM) to monitor renal microcirculatory perfusion and inflammatory response. TM carrying VCAM-1 polypeptide was constructed by biological coupling. The binding ability of TM to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was detected. Bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) models of mice were established to evaluate microcirculatory perfusion and inflammatory response using TM. Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into six groups according to the different reperfusion time (0.5, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h) and sham-operated group (Sham group). The correlation of TM imaging with serum and histopathological biomarkers was investigated. TM has advantages such as uniform distribution, regular shape, high stability, and good biosafety. TM could bind specifically to VCAM-1 molecule expressed by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-treated HUVECs. In the renal IRI-AKI model, the area under the curve (AUC) of TM significantly decreased both in the renal cortical and medullary after 2 h of reperfusion compared with the Sham group (p < 0.05). Normalized intensity difference (NID) of TM at different reperfusion time was all higher than that of blank microbubbles (BM) and the Sham group (p < 0.05). Ultrasound molecular imaging of TM could detect AKI early before commonly used renal function markers, histopathological biomarkers, and BM imaging. AUC of TM was negatively correlated with serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and Cystatin C (Cys-C) levels, and NID of TM was linearly correlated with VCAM-1, TNF-α, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression (p < 0.05). Ultrasound molecular imaging based on TM carrying VCAM-1 polypeptide can accurately evaluate the changes in renal microcirculatory perfusion and inflammatory response, which might be a promising modality for early diagnosis of AKI.

Rrelationship between endothelial function, thickness of "intima media" with some clinical and metabolic parameters in hypertensive patients depending on genetic predictors

Objective. Тo study the relationship between endothelial function, "intima-media" thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries, some anthropometric, clinical and metabolic parameters in patients with essential arterial hypertension (EAH) depending on the genes polymorphism NOS3 (rs2070744) and GNB3 (rs5443).Material and methods. 100 patients with EAH and 48 practically healthy subjects (control group) participated in the study. All participants underwent clinical and laboratory examinations. The correlation values of Endothelium-Dependent Flow-Mediated Dilation of the Brachial Artery (FMD BA), total nitric oxide metabolites (NO), Soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule (sVCAM-1), the transcriptional activity of NOS3 gene, and carotid IMT were studied. GNB3 (rs5443) and NOS3 (rs2070744) genotyping were performed by Real-Time PCR. Results. In EAH patients with dominant T-allele carriers of the NOS3 gene (rs2070744) and/or C-allele of the GNB3 gene (rs5443) FMD BA inversely correlates with the triglycerides level (r =-0.45; p=0.042) and carotid IMT (r=-0.88-/-0.44/; P≤0.006-0.001). In the carriers of mutation C-allele of the NOS3 gene and TT-genotype of the GNB3 gene – with sVCAM-1 (r=-0.41; p=0.009), atherogenic index (r=-0.69; p=0.013) and diastolic arterial pressure (r=-0.84; p=0.036).Conclusion. Matrix correlations of endothelial function, IMT with clinical and metabolic parameters in EAH patients showed the dependence of connections on the allelic state of the genes NOS3 (rs2070744) and GNB3 (rs5443).

Surfactin reduces particulate matter-induced VCAM-1-dependent monocyte adhesion in human gingival fibroblasts by increasing Nrf2-dependent HO-1 expression.

The mechanisms of particulate matter (PM) toxicity involve the generation of ROS and upregulation of proinflammatory molecules. Nrf2 is a multifunctional cytoprotective transcription factor that regulates the expression of various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying molecules, such as HO-1. As surfactin has potential to induce Nrf2 activation and HO-1 expression, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of surfactin on PM-exposed human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and signaling pathways engaged by surfactin. Human gingival fibroblasts were challenged by PM with or without surfactin pretreatment. The expression of Nrf2, HO-1, VCAM-1, and other molecules was determined by western blot, real-time PCR, or ELISA. Human monocytic THP-1 cells labeled with fluorescent reagent were added to HGFs, and the cell adhesion was assessed. ROS generation and NADPH oxidase activity were also measured. The involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 and ROS signaling pathways was investigated by treating HGFs with specific pathway interventions, genetically or pharmacologically. One dose of surfactin was given to mice before PM treatment to explore its in vivo effect on VCAM-1 expression in gingival tissues. Particulate matter led to VCAM-1-dependent monocyte adhesion in HGFs, which was regulated by PKCα/NADPH oxidase/ROS/STAT1/IL-6 pathway. Surfactin could attenuate monocyte adhesion by disrupting this VCAM-1-dependent pathway. Additionally, surfactin promoted Nrf2-dependent HO-1 expression in HGFs, mitigating VCAM-1 expression. PM-treated mice exhibited the lower expression of IL-6 and VCAM-1 in gingival tissues if they previously received surfactin. Surfactin exerts anti-inflammatory effects against PM-induced inflammatory responses in HGFs by inhibiting VCAM-1-dependent pathway and inducing Nrf2/HO-1 axis.

STUDY OF THE PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF NOVEL EPOR/CD131 HETERORECEPTOR AGONISTS IN MICE WITH ENDOTHELIAL-SPECIFIC EXPRESSION OF MUTANT POLG GENE

The aim of the research was to study antiatherosclerotic and endothelial kinds of a protective activity of peptides mimicking an erythropoietin a-helix B tertiary structure with laboratory codes EP-11-1 (UEHLERALNSS), EP-11-2. (UEQLERALNCS), EP-11-3 (UEQLERALNTS).Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 96 C57Bl/6J male double transgenic Polgmut/mut/Cdh5-CRE mice. Atherosclerosis was induced by a balloon injury accompanied by Western diet. Then, for 27 days, the drugs under study were administered once per 3 days at the dose of 20 μg/kg. On the 28th day, the animals were euthanized and the area of atherosclerotic plaques was collected for an assessment. The expression of genes associated with the processes of inflammation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis was determined in the tissues of the aorta. In addition, the endothelial protective effect of peptides in isolated segments of the thoracic aorta of wild and transgenic ransgenic Polgmut/mut mice was studied.Results. The assessment of the plaque size in the animals with the Polgmut/mut/Cdh5-CRE genotype against the background of the peptides under study did not reveal statistically significant differences in comparison to control. However, a quantitative PCR showed a statistically significant decreased expression of pro-apoptotic factors p-53 and Bax, and also increase the expression of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 against the background of the peptides EP-11-1 and EP-11-2 administration. The administration of EP-11-1 and the original peptide pHBSP resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Compounds EP-11-1, EP-11-2, and EP-11-3 were more effective than the original peptide pHBSP, in reducing the increased expression of genes for inflammatory markers iNos, intercellular adhesion molecules Icam-1, Vcam-1 and E-selectin. The use of EP-11-1 led to a more efficient, in comparison with pHBSP, restoration of endothelial-dependent vasodilation of the aortic segments in mice with endothelial-specific overexpression of the mutant Polg gene.Conclusion. The study carried out on a murine model of the endothelial-specific expression of mutant gamma polymerase has shown that derivatives of the pHBSP peptide with laboratory codes EP-11-1, EP-11-2, EP-11-3, obtained by BLAST-searching for groups of pHBSP related peptides, have atheroprotective and endothelial protective kinds of a protective activity, which is more pronounced in comparison with the original peptide pHBSP.

Abstract P260: SARS-Cov-2 Spike Protein S1-Mediated Endothelial Injury And Pro-Inflammatory State Is Amplified By Dihydrotestosterone And Prevented By Mineralocorticoid Antagonism

Objectives: Men are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and experience higher mortality as compared to women. Endothelial dysfunction has been proposed as a major inciting factor of pro-inflammatory and thrombotic changes in COVID-19 infection. The vascular effects of androgen signaling and inflammatory cytokines in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-mediated endothelial damage are not defined. Methods: Here, we determined the effects of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated endothelial damage under conditions of exposure to androgens and TNF-α. We tested the therapeutic effects of approved drugs: angiotensin receptor blockade by valsartan and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism by spironolactone. Circulating endothelial injury markers VCAM-1 and E-selectin were measured in the plasma from men and women diagnosed with COVID-19. Results: Exposure of endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro to androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exacerbated spike protein S1-mediated endothelial injury transcripts for cell adhesion molecules E-selectin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 and anti-fibrinolytic PAI-1 (P&lt;0.05), as well as increased THP-1 monocyte adhesion to ECs (P=0.032). Spironolactone dramatically reduced DHT+S1-induced endothelial activation. Pre-treatment of ECs with valsartan did not increase endothelial activation by S1. TNF-α exacerbated S1-induced EC activation and spironolactone abrogated this effect. Analysis of plasma from patients hospitalized with COVID-19 showed concordant higher VCAM-1 in men as compared to women. Conclusions: Androgen exposure promoted spike protein-mediated endothelial injury by increasing markers of inflammation and thrombosis. A beneficial therapeutic effect of the FDA-approved drug spironolactone was observed, supporting a rationale for further evaluation as an adjunct treatment in COVID-19.

Mechanisms of endothelial cell activation by endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol

Abstract Background Endothelial dysfunction promotes atherogenesis, vascular inflammation, and thrombus formation. Reendothelialization after angioplasty is required in order to restore vascular function and to prevent stent thrombosis. The endocannabinoid (eCB) 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a known modulator of inflammation. Earlier studies have demonstrated the relevance of this endocannabinoid in human pathophysiology during coronary artery disease and in murine experimental atherogenesis. However, evidence on the impact of 2-AG on endothelial cell function remains scarce. Methods Endothelial repair was studied in two treatment groups of wildtype mice following electrical denudation of the common carotid artery. One group received the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)-inhibitor JZL184, which impairs 2-AG degradation and thus causes elevated 2-AG levels, the other group received DMSO. The residual endothelial gap at five days was visualized by Evan's blue staining in either group. In vitro, the effect of 2-AG on human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAEC) viability was assessed by an XTT-based assay. Endothelial activation was studied by an adhesion assay of THP-1 monocytes to 2-AG-preconditioned HCAEC. Activation of HCAEC adhesion molecules was characterized by flow cytometry. Results Elevated 2-AG levels significantly impaired reendothelialization in wildtype mice following electrical injury of the common carotid artery, resulting in a residual denudation at 5 days of 2291±286 μm vs. 1505±223 μm (n=18–19; p&amp;lt;0.05). In vitro, 2-AG significantly reduced viability of HCAEC at 24 hours (0.31±0.10 vs. 1.00±0.08; n=3; p&amp;lt;0.01). Finally, 2-AG promoted HCAEC activation resulting in a significant increase in THP-1 monocyte adhesion to HCAEC following pre-treatment of HCAEC with 2-AG (0.17±0.03 THP-1 cells per HCAEC vs. 0.07±0.01 THP-1 cells per HCAEC; n=3; p&amp;lt;0.05). Adhesion molecules E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, that are known to be regulated by 2-AG in the venous endothelium, remained unchanged in arterial endothelial cells. Besides, HCAEC migration, ROS-production, expression of NADPH oxidases and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were unaffected by 2-AG. Conclusion Elevated 2-AG levels hamper endothelial repair and impair HCAEC proliferation while facilitating adhesion of monocytes. Intriguingly, the underlying mechanisms in the arterial vascular bed appear distinct from venous endothelium. Given that 2-AG is elevated during coronary artery disease in humans, 2-AG might impair reendothelialization after angioplasty and thus impact on clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Myocarditis triggers inflammatory response in cardiac fibroblasts and profibrotic activation of myeloid and endothelial cells in mouse model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis

Abstract Background/Introduction Myocarditis, a heart-specific inflammation, is a common cause of pathological tissue remodeling and cardiac fibrosis resulting in stiffening of ventricles, functional impairment and heart failure. Immunization of susceptible mice with alpha myosin heavy chain (αMyHC) and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induces CD4+ T cell-mediated experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). In EAM model, resolution of acute cardiac inflammation is followed by a progressive dilated cardiomyopathy and systolic dysfunction. Purpose The aim of our study was to identify the role of resident cardiac fibroblasts, cardiac endothelial as well as inflammatory myeloid cells during the course of EAM. Methods EAM was induced by immunization with αMyHC/CFA in reporter BALB/c mice expressing EGFP under collagen type I promoter (Coll-EGFP) and RFP under a control of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) promoter (αSMA-RFP). Using flow cytometry analysis, cardiac cells were phenotyped and quantified at inflammatory (d19–21) and fibrotic (d40) stage of EAM. Sorted EGFP-positive cardiac fibroblasts obtained from healthy and myocarditis-positive mice (day 21 of EAM) were comparatively analyzed for the whole genome transcriptomics using the Next Generation Sequencing with read length 2x150bp and 20–30 million reads per sample. Results A massive infiltration of inflammatory CD45+CD11b+ myeloid cells (mainly CD11b+CD36+ macrophages, CD11b+CD36–Ly6GhiLy6chi neutrophils, CD11b+CD36–Ly6G–Ly6c– monocytes, CD11b+CD36–Ly6G–Ly6chi inflammatory monocytes) was observed at day 21 of EAM. Myeloid cells as well as endothelial cells showed increased production of type I collagen at day 21, which was further reduced at day 40 of EAM. At day 21, collagen-producing endothelial cells showed particularly elevated levels of adhesion molecules ICAM and VCAM. On the other hand, the total number of EGFP-positive cardiac fibroblasts remained unchanged during the course of EAM, as well as the percentage of cardiac fibroblasts positive for αSMA (myofibroblasts). Gene ontology analysis of transcripts differentially regulated in cardiac fibroblasts during acute myocarditis pointed mainly to activation of immune processes, response to stress, cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix organization. Specifically, in EAM at day 21 cardiac fibroblasts increased transcription of chemokines (Ccl6, Ccl9, Cxcl2, Cxcl3, Cxcl5, Cxcl9, Cxcl13), collagens (Col6a4, Col6a5, Col9a1, Col9a3, Col11a2, Col12a1, Col24a1, Col28a1), and genes involved in ECM biology (Bmp7, Kng2, Lgals3, Cthrc1, Cela1, Spn). Conclusions In EAM model, inflammatory myeloid and cardiac endothelial cells seem to contribute to excessive collagen type I production, whereas cardiac fibroblasts actively participate in inflammatory and profibrotic responses. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The National Science Centre (Poland)

Molecular Imaging of a New Multimodal Microbubble for Adhesion Molecule Targeting

IntroductionInflammation is an important risk-associated component of many diseases and can be diagnosed by molecular imaging of specific molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of targeting adhesion molecules on inflammation-activated endothelial cells and macrophages using an innovative multimodal polyvinyl alcohol-based microbubble (MB) contrast agent developed for diagnostic use in ultrasound, magnetic resonance, and nuclear imaging.MethodsWe assessed the binding efficiency of antibody-conjugated multimodal contrast to inflamed murine or human endothelial cells (ECs), and to peritoneal macrophages isolated from rats with peritonitis, utilizing the fluorescence characteristics of the MBs. Single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) was used to illustrate 99mTc-labeled MB targeting and distribution in an experimental in vivo model of inflammation.ResultsFlow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed that binding of antibody-targeted MBs to the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, or E-selectin, expressed on cytokine-stimulated ECs, was up to sixfold higher for human and 12-fold higher for mouse ECs, compared with that of non-targeted MBs. Under flow conditions, both VCAM-1- and E-selectin-targeted MBs adhered more firmly to stimulated human ECs than to untreated cells, while VCAM-1-targeted MBs adhered best to stimulated murine ECs. SPECT imaging showed an approximate doubling of signal intensity from the abdomen of rats with peritonitis, compared with healthy controls, after injection of anti-ICAM-1-MBs.ConclusionsThis novel multilayer contrast agent can specifically target adhesion molecules expressed as a result of inflammatory stimuli in vitro, and has potential for use in disease-specific multimodal diagnostics in vivo using antibodies against targets of interest.

Inflammation and fatigue in early, untreated Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD)-related fatigue is a significant clinical problem, and the pathological processes that cause fatigue remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible association of peripheral inflammation markers and fatigue in PD. We included 47 drug naïve, newly diagnosed PD patients with low (≤3.0) or high (>5.5) fatigue levels as evaluated by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Strict diagnostic criteria were applied for inclusion. Patients with possible confounding causes for fatigue were excluded. Serum concentrations of a panel of inflammatory markers (IL-8, TNF-α, MCP1, MIP-1β, IL-6, IL-6R, p-selectin, E-selectin-1, ICAM, VCAM-1, CCL5, IL1-Ra, and TNFR1) were measured using ELISA technology in PD patients with and without fatigue to assess the potential relationships of fatigue in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve patients. Fatigued PD patients had significantly higher levels of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-Ra) (1790 pg/mL (SD1007) vs 1262 pg/mL (SD379)) and of the adhesion molecule VCAM 1 (1071 ng/mL (SD276) vs 895 ng/mL (SD229)) than non-fatigued patients. A binary logistic regression model, including high or low FSS score as the dependent variable and UPDRS motor score, MADRS, MMSE, ESS, and IL1-Ra/VCAM-1 as independent variables, showed a significant effect both for IL1-Ra and VCAM-1. Higher serum levels of the inflammatory molecules IL1-Ra and VCAM-1 were associated with higher fatigue levels in patients with newly diagnosed, drug-naïve PD. These findings highlight an altered immune response as a potential contributor to PD-related fatigue, from the earliest clinical stages of the disease.

Canagliflozin Inhibits Human Endothelial Cell Inflammation via the Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1

Vascular disease is the major cause of mortality in diabetes. Although many factors contribute to diabetes-associated vascular disease, inflammation of endothelial cells (ECs) plays a critical role. Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are recently approved anti-hyperglycemic drugs that cause a significant reduction in cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients, but the mechanisms underlying this protection are not fully known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the expression of the vasoprotective protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in human umbilical vein ECs. Treatment of ECs with canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, or empagliflozin stimulated the expression of HO-1 mRNA and protein; however, only clinically achievable concentrations of canagliflozin (3-10µM) increased HO-1 levels. The induction of HO-1 by canagliflozin was associated with an increase in Nrf2 activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Canagliflozin also stimulated HO-1 promoter activity, and this was prevented by mutating the antioxidant responsive element or by overexpressing dominant-negative Nrf2. In addition, the canagliflozin-mediated induction of HO-1 was abolished by N-acetyl-L-cysteine or rotenone. Significantly, prior treatment of ECs with canagliflozin inhibited the induction of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in response to high concentrations of glucose (25mM) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (50mg/L) that mimic the diabetic milieu. Significantly, the anti-inflammatory action of canagliflozin was abrogated by blocking HO-1 activity or expression. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that canagliflozin stimulates HO-1 gene expression in the vascular endothelium via the ROS-Nrf2 pathway, and that canagliflozin mitigates inflammation in human ECs exposed to a diabetic environment via the induction of HO-1. Thus, canagliflozin may exert some of it cardiovascular benefit in diabetes by targeting HO-1. Disclosure K.J. Peyton: None. G. Behnammanesh: None. W. Durante: None.

Neuropathy-specific alterations in a Mexican population of diabetic patients

BackgroundNeuropathy is one of the major complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our first aim was to determine the clinical characteristics of a population of diabetic patients with different types of neuropathy. Our next goal was to characterize the cytokine profile (IL-6 and IL-10), nerve growth factor (NGF) and circulating cell-adhesion molecules in these patients. Finally, we aimed to compare the renal function among the groups of neuropathic patients.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, we included 217 diabetic patients classified in three groups: sensory polyneuropathy with hypoesthesia (DShP) or hyperesthesia (DSHP), and motor neuropathy (DMN). Two control groups were included: one of 26 diabetic non-neuropathic patients (DNN), and the other of 375 non-diabetic (ND) healthy subjects. The participants were attending to the Mexican Institute of Social Security.ResultsThe circulating levels of NGF were significantly lower in diabetic patients, compared to healthy subjects. The range of IL-6 and IL-10 levels in neuropathic patients was higher than the control groups; however, several samples yielded null measurements. Neuropathic patients also showed increased circulating levels of the adhesion molecules ICAM, VCAM, and E-Selectin, compared to the ND group. Moreover, neuropathic patients showed reduced glomerular filtration rates compared to healthy subjects (82–103 ml/min per 1.73 m2, data as range from 25th–75th percentiles), especially in the group with DMN (45–76 ml/min per 1.73 m2).ConclusionsSome particular alterations in neuropathic patients included -but were not limited to- changes in circulating NGF, cell adhesion molecules, inflammation, and the worsening of the renal function. This study supports the need for further clinical surveillance and interventions considering a neuropathy-related basis.

GENETIC PREDICTORS OF INTENSIVE LIPID-LOWERING THERAPY EFFICACY AND ITS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS IN VERY HIGH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PATIENTS

Aim . To study the anti-inflammatory effects of intensive lipid-lowering therapy and genetic predictors of its effectiveness in patients with very high cardiovascular risk. Material and methods . 58 patients with a history of cardiovascular disease and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)>1.8 mmol/l or non-highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C)>2.6 mmol/l (mean age 61.9±8.6 (M±SD) years, 62.1% of men) were included into the study. Polymorphism Phe189Ser of the CYP3A4 (gene encoding cytochrome P4503A4, CYP3A4*17, rs4987161) and APOA1 (gene encoding apolipoprotein A): -75G/A in the promoter region (rs670) and +83C/T in the 5'-untranslated region (rs5069) was determined in all patients. Inflammatory status (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and soluble vascular adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1)) was assessed initially and after 4 weeks of treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg/day. The results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Results . 16 (27.6%) patients achieved LDL-C<1.8 mmol/l, 21 (37.6%) patients – non-HDL-C<2.6 mmol/l. The carriership of the allele -75G of the APOA1 gene was associated with failure to achieve the target level of the non-HDL-C (Fisher's exact test p<0.05 (bilateral), p<0.01 (one-sided)). The levels of hsCRP, MCP-1 and sVCAM-1 significantly decreased by 46.8, 19.2 and 13.2%, respectively (p=0.0001). In the ROC analysis the level of MCP-1<471 pg/ml predicted the achievement of the target level of non-HDL-C with a sensitivity of 53.3% and a specificity of 90%. Conclusion . Intensive lipid-lowering therapy in patients with a very high cardiovascular risk is accompanied by a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. The baseline level of MCP-1<471 pg/ml is associated with the achievement of the target values of non-HDL-C. The carriership of the allele (-75)G of the APOA1 gene is associated with the lack of achievement of the target level of non-HDL-C during intensive lipid-lowering therapy and can be considered as a predictor of resistance to statins.

29 Fibrinogen alters the expression of markers of inflammation, adhesion and angiogenesis by monocytes from women with pre-eclampsia in co-culture with vascular endothelial cells

Objectives Pre-eclampsia (PE) is characterized by an exaggerated systemic inflammatory response and generalized endothelial dysfunction. Having recently demonstrated that fibrinogen, an endogenous ligand of TLR4, activates monocytes from women with pre-eclampsia (Al-ofi et al., 2014), we sought to determine whether fibrinogen alters the expression of markers of inflammation, cell adhesion and angiogenesis by monocytes from women with pre-eclampsia, in co-culture with human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVEC), in a manner similar to the exogenous TLR ligand LPS, compared to normotensive women. Methods HUVECs were isolated from umbilical cords, cultured, passaged and seeded onto gelatin-coated 12-well tissue culture plates until they reached 80–90% of confluence. Then monocytes, isolated from 9 PE (GA=33.6±3.0) and 9 normal pregnant (GA=31.6±3.8) women, were plated on top of HUVECs at the fractional rate of 1 monocyte to 5 HUVECs. Mono- and co-cultures were stimulated with LPS and fibrinogen. Flow cytometry was used to confirm monocytes and endothelial cells in the model. We determined the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1 β ), chemokines (IL-8 and MCP-1), angiogenic (VEGF) and anti-angiogenic (sFLT-1) factors, as well as adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) in supernatant medium by cytometric array. ELISA was used to measure sFLT-1. Results Fibrinogen induced greater amounts of IL-1 β and VCAM-1 from PE co-culture than from NP co- culture ( P P Conclusion Fibrinogen promotes monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and angiogenesis but suppresses the expression of inflammatory markers in pre-eclampsia. Although the physiological implications of these intriguing observations are unclear our findings suggest that fibrinogen contributes to the regulation of cell adhesion, angiogenesis and inflammation by mechanisms not wholly dependent on TLR4 stimulation.

Abstract 378: Contribution of Unfolded Protein Response in Arsenic-Induced Endothelial Activation and Atherosclerois

Epidemiological and animal studies suggest that exposure to arsenic contaminated water exacerbates atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms by which arsenic exerts its atherogenic effects are not known. We observed that chronic (1 μM; 4 days) or acute (20 μM; 2-6 hours) exposure of sodium arsenite to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) increased the surface expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-Selectin by 1.2-1.5-fold; leukocyte adhesion by 1.5-3.5 fold; leukocyte trans-endothelial migration by 1.7-2.5-fold; and mRNA expression of IL-8 by 5-25-fold. Similarly, exposure of human aortic endothelial cells and mouse aortic endothelial cells to arsenic also caused endothelial activation. Arsenic also enhanced the unfolded protein response (UPR) in endothelial cells as evident by the phosphorylation of IRE-1 and activation of its downstream proteins JNK and NF-kappaB; nuclear translocation of ATF6, and increased expression of molecular chaperones GRP78 and HERP. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of IRE-1 attenuated arsenic-induced NF-kappaB activation and IL-8 expression, but did not affect JNK phosphorylation. Adenoviral transfection with ATF-6 upregulated GRP78 and decreased the expression of IL-8. Similarly, pre-incubation of endothelial cells with phenyl butyric acid (PBA; 5 mM, 16h), a chemical chaperone of protein folding, significantly (P&lt;0.05) prevented arsenic-induced leukocyte adhesion, trans-endothelial migration and IL-8 expression. Feeding of apoE-null mice with PBA for 16 weeks inhibited the arsenic-induced UPR in atherosclerotic lesions; expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells lining the atherosclerotic lesions; lesional and systemic inflammation; and prevented the arsenic-induced exacerbation of lesion formation by 90% (P&lt;0.05). Together, these data suggest that arsenic causes endothelial activation and exacerbates atherosclerosis by triggering UPR and chemical chaperones of protein folding prevent arsenic-induced exacerbation of atherogenesis.

Abstract 211: IL-35 Suppresses Endothelial Cell Activation by Inhibiting Histone H3K14 Acetylation and AP-1

Background: IL-35 is a newly identified anti-inflammatory cytokine, which inhibits inflammation and immune responses by inducing regulatory T cells and regulatory B cells and suppressing effector T cells and macrophages. We previously reported that IL-35 is a responsive cytokine that is not constitutively expressed in human tissues, but can be induced by proinflammatory stimuli in vascular endothelial cells (EC), smooth muscle cells and monocytes. However, the functions of IL-35 on non-lymphocytes such as vascular EC remain unknown. EC activation induced by proatherogenic stimuli including lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is considered as the initiation step of monocyte recruitment and atherosclerosis. In this study, we examined the expression of IL-35 during early atherosclerosis and the role of IL-35 in LPC-induced EC activation. Methods and Results: Using microarray method, we found that two IL-35 subunits and their receptor subunits are all significantly induced during early atherosclerosis in the aortas of atherosclerotic mouse model, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout mice fed with 3 weeks of high fat diet. In addition, we found that IL-35 can suppress LPC-induced monocyte adhesion to human aortic ECs (HAEC). Mechanistic, our analysis using EC biology gene array shows that IL-35 selectively inhibits LPC-induced expressions of EC adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in human aortic EC (HAEC). To further dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the IL-35 inhibitory effects on LPC-induced EC activation gene upregulation, we performed mass spectrum analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We found that IL-35 blocked LPC-induced histone H3 lysine 14 (H3K14) acetylation as well as the binding of pro-inflammatory transcription factor AP-1 to the promoters of EC adhesion molecules in HAEC. Conclusions: IL-35 is induced in the aortas during early atherogenesis and suppresses human EC activation and monocyte adhesion by inhibiting histone acetylation and AP-1 nuclear translocation.

Abstract 256: Activation of Cell Surface GRP78 by Anti-GRP78 Autoantibodies Accelerates Lesion Development by Promoting Endothelial Cell Activation

Damage to the endothelium is an important contributor to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. GRP78 is a molecular chaperone localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in healthy cells that functions to assist in the correct folding of newly synthesized proteins and to prevent aggregation of folding intermediates. In addition, GRP78 is also present as a transmembrane protein on the surface of lesion-resident endothelial cells. Surface GRP78 is known to act as a membrane signaling receptor in cancer cells and is activated by anti-GRP78 autoantibodies isolated from the serum of cancer patients. We have demonstrated previously that high levels of anti-GRP78 autoantibodies accelerate lesion development in apoE -/- mice. However, the role of anti-GRP78 autoantibody activation of cell surface GRP78 on endothelial cells and how this contributes to atherogenesis is unknown. The objective of this study is to identify factors that mediate surface GRP78 expression on endothelial cells and to determine the mechanism by which surface GRP78 activation on endothelial cells contributes to atherogenesis. Here we demonstrate that induction of ER stress by tunicamycin increased surface GRP78 expression in cultured human aortic endothelial cells. We also show that activation of surface GRP78 on endothelial cells by anti-GRP78 autoantibodies significantly increases gene expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Pretreatment of these cells with a calcium chelator or an inhibitor of NF-B activation attenuated the anti-GRP78 autoantibody-induced promotion of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Our results suggest that signaling through cell surface GRP78 can activate intracellular pathways that contribute to endothelial cell activation, an important initiating event in atherogenesis. These findings further our understanding of the role of anti-GRP78 autoantibodies and the activation of surface GRP78 in endothelial cell function and lesion development. Furthermore, inhibiting the interaction of anti-GRP78 autoantibodies with surface GRP78 could present a novel therapeutic strategy to modulate lesion growth and thereby reduce the risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Carotenoids and flavonoids synergistically attenuate inflammation in endothelial cells induced by TNF-α

Objective: Carotenoids and flavonoids are both plants origin and have a well described anti-oxidant activity. Recently we demonstrated the protective effect of carotenoids on endothelial cells. In the current study we aimed to evaluate the possible synergistic activity of these substances as anti-oxidant and anti inflammatory mediators on endothelial cells. Methods: Endothelial cells (EA.hy926) were pre-incubated with vehicle, lycopen, dissolved chocolate, epicatechin solution, combination of lycopen with chocolate and combination of lycopen with epicatechin solution for 18-24h. After incubation, stable oxidized products of NO examined. In another assay pre incubated cells with the above substances were induced with TNF-a for 6h. The activated cells were examined for protein abundance of: eNOs, adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and osteopontin (OPN). Results: There was a significant augmentation of NOx production after pre incubation with each substance separately. Moreover, the combination of lycopen with either chocolate or epicatechin resulted in synergistic effect. Lycopen with chocolate 8.1 5.1 (OD) and lycopen with epicatechin 6.9 2.3 (OD), versus control 1.4 1.2 (OD) and lycopen 2.3 0.9 (OD) respectively (p<0.005). Pre incubation with lycopen, chocolate or epicatechin didn’t have significantly effect on the activation of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1by TNF-a. However, the combination of either lycopen and chocolate or lycopen with epicatechin inhibited significantly the expression of both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1by TNF-a (25.5 2.6 and 12.5 2.1 versus 46.6 11.6; 31.3 15.3 and 19.0 5.3 versus 45.3 11.9 respectively p<0.001). The expression of the inflammatory mediator osteopontin, was also inhibited to a great extent by combination between lycopen with chocolate or epicatechin. (2.0 0.3 and 3.6 0.5 versus 12.2 1.1 respectively p<0.001). Regarding the expression of eNOs, both lycopen, chocolate and epicatechin increased significantly the expression of eNOs. However, the combination of these sustenance didn’t reach synergistic effect. Conclusion: in the current study we demonstrated the superiority of the combination carotenoids and flavonoids compared to each substance alone, as oxidative stress and inflammation inhibitor.

Carotid stiffness and endothelial function after renal sympathetic denervation in patients with resistant hypertension

Objective: Carotenoids and flavonoids are both plants origin and have a well described anti-oxidant activity. Recently we demonstrated the protective effect of carotenoids on endothelial cells. In the current study we aimed to evaluate the possible synergistic activity of these substances as anti-oxidant and anti inflammatory mediators on endothelial cells. Methods: Endothelial cells (EA.hy926) were pre-incubated with vehicle, lycopen, dissolved chocolate, epicatechin solution, combination of lycopen with chocolate and combination of lycopen with epicatechin solution for 18-24h. After incubation, stable oxidized products of NO examined. In another assay pre incubated cells with the above substances were induced with TNF-a for 6h. The activated cells were examined for protein abundance of: eNOs, adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and osteopontin (OPN). Results: There was a significant augmentation of NOx production after pre incubation with each substance separately. Moreover, the combination of lycopen with either chocolate or epicatechin resulted in synergistic effect. Lycopen with chocolate 8.1 5.1 (OD) and lycopen with epicatechin 6.9 2.3 (OD), versus control 1.4 1.2 (OD) and lycopen 2.3 0.9 (OD) respectively (p<0.005). Pre incubation with lycopen, chocolate or epicatechin didn’t have significantly effect on the activation of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1by TNF-a. However, the combination of either lycopen and chocolate or lycopen with epicatechin inhibited significantly the expression of both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1by TNF-a (25.5 2.6 and 12.5 2.1 versus 46.6 11.6; 31.3 15.3 and 19.0 5.3 versus 45.3 11.9 respectively p<0.001). The expression of the inflammatory mediator osteopontin, was also inhibited to a great extent by combination between lycopen with chocolate or epicatechin. (2.0 0.3 and 3.6 0.5 versus 12.2 1.1 respectively p<0.001). Regarding the expression of eNOs, both lycopen, chocolate and epicatechin increased significantly the expression of eNOs. However, the combination of these sustenance didn’t reach synergistic effect. Conclusion: in the current study we demonstrated the superiority of the combination carotenoids and flavonoids compared to each substance alone, as oxidative stress and inflammation inhibitor.

Flaxseed Prevents Leukocyte and Platelet Adhesion to Endothelial Cells in Experimental Atherosclerosis by Reducing sVCAM-1 and vWF

We studied the possible effect of flaxseed to prevent leukocytes and platelets adhesion to endothelial cells and to reduce soluble adhesion molecules (sVCAM-1) and endothelial integrity markers (vWF) in ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat diet. Forty-two female Wistar rats were either sham-operated or ovariectomized and randomly assigned for 36 weeks to three different diets: (1) low-fat diet (8% energy as fat); (2) high-fat diet (40% energy as fat, lard based, lard group); (3) high-fat diet enriched with ground flaxseed 15 g/100 g of food (40% energy as fat, lard + flaxseed group). The ovariectomized rats fed with lard + flaxseeds had significantly lower serum concentrations of sVCAM and vWF, reduced platelet adhesiveness, and lower extent of platelet and leukocyte adherence to endothelium in the histological evaluation of the aorta as compared to Ovx + lard group. In our study, high dose of ground flaxseed incorporated to lard-based diet prevented the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in estrogen deficiency rats by decreasing platelet and endothelium reactivity. Assessment of platelet adhesion, serum soluble adhesion molecule sVCAM, and endothelium integrity molecule vWF could be useful to detect the risk for atherosclerotic lesions in estrogen deficiency states and to estimate the effect of flaxseed supplementation.