Progression Of Atherosclerosis In ApoE Research Articles

Dipsacoside B Attenuates Atherosclerosis by Promoting Autophagy to Inhibit Macrophage Lipid Accumulation.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by lipid accumulation and foam cell formation in the arterial wall. Promoting macrophage autophagy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy against atherosclerosis. Dipsacoside B (DB) is an oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin extracted from Lonicerae flos with potential anti-atherosclerotic properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of DB on atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet and explored the underlying mechanisms in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced foam cells. DB treatment significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size, improved plaque stability, and regulated lipid metabolism without impairing liver and kidney function in ApoE-/- mice. In vitro studies revealed that DB dose-dependently inhibited ox-LDL internalization and intracellular lipid accumulation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Mechanistically, DB induced autophagy, as evidenced by increased autophagosome formation and upregulated expression of autophagy markers LC3-II and p62 both in vivo and in vitro. Inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine abolished the antiatherosclerotic and pro-autophagic effects of DB. Furthermore, DB treatment increased LC3-II and p62 mRNA levels, suggesting transcriptional regulation of autophagy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that DB exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects by inhibiting foam cell formation via autophagy induction, providing new insights into the pharmacological actions of DB and its potential as a therapeutic agent against atherosclerosis.

The novel vaccines targeting interleukin-1 receptor type I

ObjectiveThere is mounting evidence indicating that atherosclerosis represents a persistent inflammatory process, characterized by the presence of inflammation at various stages of the disease. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) precisely triggers inflammatory signaling pathways by binding to interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1R1). Inhibition of this signaling pathway contributes to the prevention of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. The objective of this research is to develop therapeutic vaccines targeting IL-1R1 as a preventive measure against atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. MethodsILRQβ-007 and ILRQβ-008 vaccines were screened, prepared and then used to immunize high-fat-diet fed ApoE-/- mice and C57BL/6J mice following myocardial infarction. Progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice was assessed primarily by oil-red staining of the entire aorta and aortic root, as well as by detecting the extent of macrophage infiltration. The post-infarction cardiac function in C57BL/6J mice were evaluated using cardiac ultrasound and histological staining. ResultsILRQβ-007 and ILRQβ-008 vaccines stimulated animals to produce high titers of antibodies that effectively inhibited the binding of interleukin-1β and interleukin-1α to IL-1R1. Both vaccines effectively reduced atherosclerotic plaque area, promoted plaque stabilization, decreased macrophage infiltration in plaques and influenced macrophage polarization, as well as decreasing levels of inflammatory factors in the aorta, serum, and ependymal fat in ApoE-/- mice. Furthermore, these vaccines dramatically improved cardiac function and macrophage infiltration in C57BL/6J mice following myocardial infarction. Notably, no significant immune-mediated damage was observed in immunized animals. ConclusionThe vaccines targeting the IL-1R1 would be a novel and promising treatment for the atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.

Alternate day fasting aggravates atherosclerosis through the suppression of hepatic ATF3 in Apoe−/− mice

Abstract Atherosclerosis is the major contributor to cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Alternate day fasting (ADF) has gained growing attention due to its metabolic benefits. However, the effects of ADF on atherosclerotic plaque formation remain inconsistent and controversial in atherosclerotic animal models. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of ADF on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice. Eleven-week-old male Apoe−/− mice fed with Western diet (WD) were randomly grouped into ad libitum (AL) group and ADF group, and ADF aggravated both the early and advanced atherosclerotic lesion formation, which might be due to the disturbed cholesterol profiles caused by ADF intervention. ADF significantly altered cholesterol metabolism pathways and down-regulated integrated stress response (ISR) in the liver. The hepatic expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) was suppressed in mice treated with ADF and hepatocyte-specific overexpression of Aft3 attenuated the effects of ADF on atherosclerotic plaque formation in Apoe−/− mice. Moreover, the expression of ATF3 could be regulated by Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) and both the expressions of ATF3 and KLF6 were regulated by hepatic cellular ISR pathway. In conclusion, ADF aggravates atherosclerosis progression in Apoe−/− mice fed on WD. ADF inhibits the hepatic ISR signaling pathway and decreases the expression of KLF6, subsequently inhibiting ATF3 expression. The suppressed ATF3 expression in the liver mediates the deteriorated effects of ADF on atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− mice. The findings suggest the potentially harmful effects when ADF intervention is applied to the population at high risk of atherosclerosis.

Antagonism of let-7c reduces atherosclerosis and macrophage lipid accumulation by promoting PGC-1α/LXRα/ABCA1/G1 pathway

Changes in circulating let-7c were significantly associated with the alter in lipid profile, but its role in intracellular lipid metabolism remains unknown. This work was conducted to explore the effects of let-7c on the lipid accumulation in macrophages and uncover the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that let-7c inhibition relieved atherosclerosis progression in apoE-/- mice. In ox-LDL-treatment macrophages, let-7c knockdown suppressed lipid accumulation but does no affect cholesterol intake. Consistent with this, overexpression of let-7c promoted lipid accumulation by reducing the expression of LXRα and ABCA1/G1. Mechanistically, let-7c targeted PGC-1α to repress the expression of LXRα and ABCA1/G1, thereby regulating cholesterol homeostasis in macrophages. Taken together, these findings suggest that antagonism of let-7c reduces atherosclerosis and macrophage lipid accumulation through the PGC-1α/LXRα/ABCA1/G1 axis.

Adropin inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/-/Enho-/- mice by regulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Adropin, a secreted protein, coded by energy homeostasis-associated gene (Enho), is recently reported to modulate atherogenesis, with endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) involved in the early process. We explored whether adropin may alleviate atherosclerosis by regulating EndMT. We found that an intraperitoneal injection of adropin [105 μg/(kg·d) for 13 weeks] inhibited the progression of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced aortic atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoE–/–) and those with double gene deletion (ApoE–/–/Enho–/–), as detected by Oil Red O and haematoxylin-eosin staining. In the aortas of ApoE–/– mouse, adropin treatment ameliorated the decrease in the mRNA expression of endothelial cell markers (leukocyte differentiation antigen 31, CD31, and vascular endothelial cadherin, VE-cadherin), but increased that of EndMT markers (alpha smooth muscle actin, α-SMA, and fibroblasts specific protein-1). In vitro, an adropin treatment (30 ng/ml) arrested the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced EndMT in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), attenuated the morphological changes of HUVECs, reduced the number of immunofluorescence-positive α-SMA, increased the mRNA and protein expressions of CD31 and VE-cadherin, and decreased those of α-SMA. Furthermore, the adropin treatment decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β2, and suppressed the phosphorylation of downstream signal protein Smad2/3 in HUVECs. These mitigative effects of adropin on H2O2-induced EndMT were reversed by the transfection of TGF-β plasmid. The findings signify that adropin treatment may alleviate the atherosclerosis in ApoE–/–/Enho–/– mice by inhibiting EndMT via the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.

A novel circular RNA, circSQSTM1, protects the endothelial function in atherosclerosis

A novel circRNA named circSQSTM1 (hsa_circRNA_075320) was screened out in atorvastatin (ATV) stimulated endothelial cells (ECs) by our group. Considering the anti-atherosclerotic function of ATV, we hypothesized the circSQSTM1 could protect ECs functions in AS progression. The effects of circSQSTM1 on ECs inflammation, oxidative stress and autophagy were measured by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, monocyte-endothelial adhesion assay, dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate and mCherry-GFP-LC3 labeling. A luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, MS2-tagging system and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed to identify the biological functions of circSQSTM1. The partial left carotid artery ligation model and atherosclerosis model were established to analyze the effects of circSQSTM1 on atherosclerosis progression in vivo. Our results revealed that ATV induced the accumulation of circSQSTM1 in ECs via suppressing m6A modified degradation. In the cytoplasm, circSQSTM1 could relieve Sirt1 by competitively sponging miR-23b-3p. In the nucleus, circSQSTM1 directly interacts with eIF4A3 and promoting the efficient nuclear export of FOXO1 mRNA, which encodes FOXO1 transcription factor to directly activate Sirt1 promoter activity. Hence, circSQSTM1 reduced inflammation, inhibited oxidative stress and promoted autophagy by upregulating Sirt1 in ECs. Moreover, circSQSTM1 overexpression in ECs attenuated the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice. Taken together, the unique noncoding RNA known as circSQSTM1 took a protective role to the ECs in atherosclerosis.

Zhizi-Chuanxiong herb pair alleviates atherosclerosis progression in ApoE−/− mice by promoting the methylation of FGFR3 to inhibit MAPK/ERK-mediated apoptosis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGardenia Fructus (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, Zhizi) and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Chuanxiong) are both traditional Chinese medicines with vascular protective effects, which help detoxify and activate blood, and are clinically used to treat atherosclerosis (AS). Previously, Zhizi-Chuanxiong showed good efficacy in attenuating AS progression in rabbits. However, its potential mechanism is yet unclear. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the Zhizi-Chuanxiong herb pair (ZCHP) in attenuating AS progression from the perspective of DNA methylation. Materials and methodsAn AS mouse model was developed with ApoE−/− mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The therapeutic effects and mechanisms of ZCHP in treating HFD-induced AS were identified using an automated biochemical analyzer, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, histopathology, methyl-capture sequencing (MC-seq), pyrosequencing, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, and TUNEL staining. ResultsZCHP attenuated the development of AS by reducing lipid levels and enhancing the stability of plaques and via anti-inflammation. MC-seq and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that ZCHP corrected the expressions of both aberrant hypomethylated and hypermethylated genes, which are involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Protein–protein network interaction analysis and molecular docking showed that fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGFR3) and serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT1) were closely related to the MAPK signaling pathway among differentially methylated genes induced by ZCHP. Furthermore, pyrosequencing showed that ZCHP could induce FGFR3 hypermethylation and AKT1 hypomethylation in the promoter region, which was consistent with the MC-seq results. Molecular docking showed that the ZCHP was more tightly docked to FGFR3. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and western blotting showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of FGFR3 decreased after treatment with ZCHP. Finally, western blotting showed that ZCHP suppressed the expression of phosphorylated MAPK and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and TUNEL staining showed that ZCHP treatment could inhibit apoptosis in AS. ConclusionOur findings suggest that ZCHP can effectively attenuate AS progression by inhibiting MAPK/ERK signaling–mediated apoptosis via FGFR3 hypermethylation in the promoter region.

Hepatic steatosis aggravates atherosclerosis via small extracellular vesicle-mediated inhibition of cellular cholesterol efflux

While it is recognized that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), how NAFLD affects the development and progression of CVD remains unclear and debatable. Hence, we aimed to determine the role of steatotic hepatocyte-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in foam cell formation and atherosclerosis progression. sEVs from steatotic hepatocytes were isolated and characterized. MicroRNA (miRNA) deep sequencing was utilized to identify functional miRNA in sEVs. Lastly, we conducted a cross-sectional study on patients with NAFLD to validate these findings. Treatment of sEVs from steatotic hepatocytes promoted macrophage-derived foam cell formation and atherosclerosis progression via inhibition of ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Macrophage-specific deletion of Abca1 in ApoE-/- mice abolished the role of steatotic hepatocyte-derived sEVs in atherosclerosis progression. In addition, hepatocyte-specific deletion of Rab27a, which is the key GTPase regulating sEV release, significantly ameliorated high-fat, high-cholesterol diet-induced atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-/- mice. The miRNA deep sequencing results showed that miR-30a-3p was enriched in sEVs from steatotic hepatocytes. miR-30a-3p directly targeted the 3' untranslated region of ABCA1 to inhibit ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux. Treatment with antagomiR-30a-3p significantly attenuated atherosclerosis progression in high-fat, high-cholesterol diet-fed ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, serum sEVs from patients with NAFLD and sEV-miR-30a-3p expression were associated with decreased cholesterol efflux levels in foam cells. Steatotic hepatocyte-derived sEVs promote foam cell formation and facilitate atherogenesis via the miR-30a-3p/ABCA1 axis. Reducing sEV secretion by steatotic hepatocytes or targeting miR-30a-3p may be potential therapeutic approaches to slow the progression of NAFLD-driven atherosclerosis. The presence of hepatic steatosis is strongly correlated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events, yet the molecular mechanisms linking steatosis to progression of atherosclerosis are unclear. Herein, we identified small extracellular vesicles from steatotic hepatocytes as a trigger that accelerated the progression of atherosclerosis. Steatotic hepatocyte-derived small extracellular vesicles promoted foam cell formation via the miR-30a-3p/ABCA1 axis. Our findings not only provide mechanistic insight into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-driven atherosclerosis but also provide potential therapeutic targets for patients with atherosclerosis.

Activation of the High Mobility Group Box 1/Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts /NOD-like Receptor Family Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Axis Under Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Induction Promotes the Progression of Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice.

Background Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) has been regarded as an important cause of atherosclerotic disease. In our study, we set out to investigate whether CIH regulated the high mobility group box 1/receptor for advanced glycation endproducts/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (HMGB1/RAGE/NLRP3) axis to affect the progression of atherosclerosis. Methods and Results Initially, peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with single obstructive sleep apnea, atherosclerosis complicated with obstructive sleep apnea, and healthy volunteers. In vitro cell experiments were conducted using human monocyte cell line THP-1 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells to explore the role of HMGB1 in cell migration, apoptosis, adhesion, and transendothelial migration. In addition, a CIH-induced atherosclerosis mouse model was established for further identifying the critical role of the HMGB1/RAGE/NLRP3 axis in atherosclerosis. Upregulated HMGB1 and RAGE were found in patients with atherosclerosis complicated with obstructive sleep apnea. CIH induction increased HMGB1 expression by inhibiting HMGB1 methylation, activating the RAGE/NLRP3 axis. After inhibition of the HMGB1/RAGE/NLRP3 axis, monocyte chemotaxis and adhesion were repressed, and macrophage-derived foam cell formation was inhibited, accompanied by suppression of endothelial and foam cell apoptosis and inflammatory factor secretion. In vivo animal experiments also noted that the progression of atherosclerosis was prevented by inhibition of the HMGB1/RAGE/NLRP3 axis in CIH-induced ApoE-/- mice. Conclusions Taken together, CIH induction can upregulate HMGB1 through inhibition of HMGB1 methylation, which activates the RAGE/NLRP3 axis to promote inflammatory factor secretion, thereby promoting the progression of atherosclerosis.

Disruption of COMMD1 accelerates diabetic atherosclerosis by promoting glycolysis.

Diabetes will lead to serious complications, of which atherosclerosis is the most dangerous. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of diabetic atherosclerosis. ApoE-/- mice were fed with an high-fat diet diet and injected with streptozotocin to establish an in vivo diabetic atherosclerotic model. RAW 264.7 cells were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein particles (ox-LDL) and high glucose to produce an in vitro diabetic atherosclerotic model. In this study, we showed that diabetes promoted the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice and that high glucose potentiates macrophage proinflammatory activation and foam cell formation. Mechanistically, Copper metabolism MURR1 domain-containing 1(COMMD1) deficiency increased proinflammatory activation and foam cell formation, characterized by increased glycolysis, and then accelerated the process of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) reversed this effect. Taken together, we provided evidence that the lack of COMMD1 accelerates diabetic atherosclerosis via mediating the metabolic reprogramming of macrophages. Our study provides evidence of a protective role for COMMD1 and establishes COMMD1 as a potential therapeutic strategy in patients with diabetic atherosclerosis.

Continuous Hypobaric Hypoxia may Promote Atherosclerosis Progression in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice.

Background: Intermittent normobaric hypoxia can promote the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. However, the effect of continuous hypobaric hypoxia (CHH), which is a major feature of high-altitude environment, on atherosclerosis has not been investigated thoroughly. Materials and Methods: After eight weeks of high-cholesterol diet, 30 male ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into control and CHH groups. Mice in the CHH group lived in a hypobaric chamber with an oxygen content of 10% and air pressure of 364 mmhg (equal to 5,800 m altitude above sea level) for 4 weeks, while mice in the control group lived in normoxia condition. Then all mice were euthanized and the atherosclerotic lesion size and plaque stability in the aortic root were assessed. Intraplaque angiogenesis was characterized by immunostaining of CD31 and endomucin, which are identified as specific markers of vascular endothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were performed to measure inflammatory cytokines. Results: Four weeks of CHH exposure promoted the growth of atherosclerotic lesions (p=0.0017) and decreased the stability of atherosclerotic plaques. In CHH group, plaque smooth muscle cells and collagen contents decreased, while plaque macrophages and lipids contents increased significantly (p<0.001). The contents of CD31 (p=0.0379) and endomucin (p=0.0196) in the plaque was higher in the CHH group and correlated with angiogenesis progression. Further, the content of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (p=0.0376) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 was significantly higher (p=0.0212) in the CHH group. Conclusions: CHH may accelerate atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-/- mice by promoting angiogenesis and inflammation.

Metabolite Neu5Ac triggers SLC3A2 degradation promoting vascular endothelial ferroptosis and aggravates atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-/-mice.

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is still the major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as stroke. Endothelial metabolic disorder has been found to be activated and then promote endothelial cells (ECs) injury, which is regarded to initiate AS progression. N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), a metabolite produced by hexosamine-sialic acid pathway branching from glucose metabolism, was presented as a notable biomarker of CVD and is positively correlated with ECs function. However, few studies explain whether Neu5Ac regulate AS progression by affecting EC function as well as its involved mechanisms are still unknown. Methods: Here, we mimicked an animal model in ApoE-/- mice which displaying similar plasma Neu5Ac levels with AS model to investigate its effect on AS progression. Results: We found that Neu5Ac exacerbated plaques area and increased lipids in plasma in absence of HFD feeding, and ECs inflammatory injury was supposed as the triggering factor upon Neu5Ac treatment with increasing expression of IL-1β, ICAM-1, and promoting ability of monocyte adhesion to ECs. Mechanistic studies showed that Neu5Ac facilitated SLC3A2 binding to ubiquitin and then triggered P62 mediated degradation, further leading to accumulation of lipid peroxidation in ECs. Fer-1 could inhibit ECs injury and reverse AS progression induced by Neu5Ac in ApoE-/- mice. Interestingly, mitochondrial dysfunction was also partly participated in ECs injury after Neu5Ac treatment and been reversed by Fer-1. Conclusions: Together, our study unveils a new mechanism by which evaluated metabolite Neu5Ac could promote SLC3A2 associated endothelial ferroptosis to activate ECs injury and AS plaque progression, thus providing a new insight into the role of Neu5Ac-ferroptosis pathway in AS. Also, our research revealed that pharmacological inhibition of ferroptosis may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for premature AS.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate promotes atherosclerosis by modulating M1 polarization of macrophages through the NF-κB pathway

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a widely used and distributed perfluorinated compounds and is reported to be harmful to cardiovascular health; however, the direct association between PFOS exposure and atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of PFOS exposure on the atherosclerosis progression and the underlying mechanisms. PFOS was administered through oral gavage to apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice for 12 weeks. PFOS exposure significantly increased pulse wave velocity (PWV) and intima-media thickness (IMT), increased aortic plaque burden and vulnerability, and elevated serum lipid and inflammatory cytokine levels. PFOS promoted aortic and RAW264.7 M1 macrophage polarization, which increased the secretion of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]), and suppressed M2 macrophage polarization, which decreased the expression of CD206, arginine I (Arg-1), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Moreover, PFOS activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the aorta and macrophages. BAY11–7082 was used to inhibit NF-κB-alleviated M1 macrophage polarization and the inflammatory response induced by PFOS in RAW264.7 macrophages. Our results are the first to reveal the acceleratory effect of PFOS on the atherosclerosis progression in ApoE−/− mice, which is associated with the NF-κB activation of macrophages to M1 polarization to induce inflammation.

Plasma Cell-Free DNA as a Novel Biomarker for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with a high rate of mortality worldwide. Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA), mainly originating from apoptosis, necrosis, and active secretion, has been recognized as a promising biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of multiple cancers, whereas there are no reports about cfDNA in CVDs. Here, we found an increased quantity and decreased integrity of cfDNA (cfDI) in the serum from AS patients compared with normal controls. Moreover, the reduced cfDI is inversely correlated with serum LDL levels, carotid plaque size, and carotid plaque thickness in the progression of AS. Consistently, in vivo experiments confirmed that the release and cleavage of cfDNA were increased concomitantly with the development and progression of AS in ApoE−/− mice. Our study sheds light on the potential of cfDNA and cfDI as molecular biomarkers for detecting and monitoring AS.

Nicotine exacerbates endothelial dysfunction and drives atherosclerosis via extracellular vesicle-miRNA.

Nicotine, a major component of tobacco, is an important factor contributing to atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the link between nicotine and atherosclerosis are unclear. As extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in intercellular communication in atherosclerosis, we investigated whether their influence on arterial pathophysiology under nicotine stimulation. EVs from the serum of smokers (smoker-EVs) were significantly increased and exacerbated endothelial inflammation, as well as apoptosis according to functional studies. Meanwhile, inhibition of EVs blunted the nicotine-induced atherosclerosis progression, and injection of nicotine-induced EVs promoted atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-/- mice. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a remarkable increase in miR-155 levels in smoker-EVs, which was correlated with carotid plaque formation in patients measured by ultrasound imaging. Moreover, CD14 levels were significantly increased in EVs from smokers (representing EVs derived from monocytes), indicating that monocytes are an important source of smoker-EVs. DNA methylation and the transcription factor HIF1α may contribute to increased miR-155 levels in monocytes, as assessed with bisulfite conversion sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Mechanistically, EVs encapsulated miR-155 induced endothelial cell dysfunction by directedly targeting BCL2, MCL1, TIMP3, BCL6, and activating NF-κB pathway, as verified in a series of molecular and biological experiments. Injecting EVs from nicotine-stimulated monocytes promoted plaque formation and triggered vascular endothelial injury in ApoE-/- mice, whereas inhibition of miR-155 weakened this effect. Our findings revealed an EV-dependent mechanism of nicotine-aggravated atherosclerosis. Accordingly, we propose an EV-based intervention strategy for atherosclerosis management.

Choline Supplementation Does Not Promote Atherosclerosis in CETP-Expressing Male Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice

Dietary trimethylamines, such as choline, metabolized by intestinal microbiota to trimethylamine are absorbed by the gut and oxidized to trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of choline supplementation on atherosclerosis progression in Apoe−/− mice expressing human cholesterol ester transfer protein (hCETP) using the same diets as in previously reported studies. Mice expressing hCETP, after transfection with AAV2/8-hCETP, were fed an 18% protein diet with either 0.09% (standard chow), 0.5% or 1% choline for 16 weeks. Control mice not transfected with hCETP were fed 1% choline. Dietary choline supplementation increased plasma TMAO levels at 8 and 16 weeks. When atherosclerotic lesions were measured in the thoracic aorta and aortic root, there were no differences between any of the treatment groups in the amount of plaque development at either site. Throughout the study, no significant changes in plasma lipids or major classes of lipoproteins were observed in hCETP-expressing mice. Plasma-oxidized low density lipoprotein, myeloperoxidase and high density lipoprotein inflammatory index were measured at 16 weeks, with no significant changes in any of these inflammatory markers between the four treatment groups. Despite increasing plasma TMAO levels, dietary choline supplementation in Apoe−/− mice expressing hCETP did not promote atherosclerosis.

Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate the Progression of Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice via FENDRR.

Exosomes (EXO) are extracellular vesicles with lipid bilayer membrane structure containing noncoding RNA, DNA, and other molecules which mediate biological functions. The importance of EXO derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been underlined in cardiovascular diseases. However, the functional role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) released by MSCs-EXO on atherosclerosis (AS) was unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of lncRNA fetal-lethal non-coding developmental regulatory RNA (FENDRR) released from MSC-derived EXO on AS. The accumulation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) caused AS in mice and damage to human vascular endothelial cells (HUV-EC-C). MSC-EXO restored HUV-EC-C activity and alleviated arterial injury. LncRNA microarrays revealed that FENDRR was delivered to cells and tissues by MSC-EXO. FENDRR bound to microRNA (miR)-28 to regulate TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) expression. Moreover, FENDRR knockdown exacerbated cell injury and arterial injury in mice. miR-28 inhibitor reversed the effects of FENDRR silencing and reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation. While loss of TEAD1 mitigated the effect of miR-28 inhibitor and accentuated HUV-EC-C injury in vitro and AS symptoms in vivo. Our results demonstrated that MSC-EXO secreted FENDRR to treat AS. FENDRR competed with TEAD1 to bind tomiR-28, thereby reducing HUV-EC-C injury and atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) depletes the ovarian follicle reserve and causes sex-dependent cardiovascular changes in apolipoprotein E null mice

BackgroundFine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure accelerates atherosclerosis and contains known ovotoxic chemicals. However, effects of exposure to PM2.5 on the finite ovarian follicle pool have hardly been investigated, nor have interactions between ovarian and cardiovascular effects. We hypothesized that subchronic inhalation exposure to human-relevant concentrations of PM2.5 results in destruction of ovarian follicles via apoptosis induction, as well as accelerated recruitment of primordial follicles into the growing pool. Further, we hypothesized that destruction of ovarian follicles enhances the adverse cardiovascular effects of PM2.5 in females.ResultsHyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E (Apoe) null ovary-intact or ovariectomized female mice and testis-intact male mice were exposed to concentrated ambient PM2.5 or filtered air for 12 weeks, 5 days/week for 4 h/day using a versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system. Primordial, primary, and secondary ovarian follicle numbers were decreased by 45%, 40%, and 17%, respectively, in PM2.5-exposed ovary-intact mice compared to controls (P < 0.05). The percentage of primary follicles with granulosa cells positive for the mitosis marker Ki67 was increased in the ovaries from PM2.5-exposed females versus controls (P < 0.05), consistent with increased recruitment of primordial follicles into the growing pool. Exposure to PM2.5 increased the percentages of primary and secondary follicles with DNA damage, assessed by γH2AX immunostaining (P < 0.05). Exposure to PM2.5 increased the percentages of apoptotic antral follicles, determined by TUNEL and activated caspase 3 immunostaining (P < 0.05). Removal of the ovaries and PM2.5-exposure exacerbated the atherosclerotic effects of hyperlipidemia in females (P < 0.05). While there were statistically significant changes in blood pressure and heart rate variability in PM2.5-compared to Air-exposed gonad-intact males and females and ovariectomized females, the changes were not consistent between exposure years and assessment methods.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that subchronic PM2.5 exposure depletes the ovarian reserve by increasing recruitment of primordial follicles into the growing pool and increasing apoptosis of growing follicles. Further, PM2.5 exposure and removal of the ovaries each increase atherosclerosis progression in Apoe-/- females. Premature loss of ovarian function is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease in women. Our results thus support possible links between PM2.5 exposure and other adverse health outcomes in women.

Plasminogen Deficiency Significantly Reduces Vascular Wall Disease in a Murine Model of Type IIa Hypercholesterolemia.

The fibrinolytic system has been implicated in the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis. It has been reported that a plasminogen (Pg) deficiency (Plg−/−) exacerbates the progression of atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− mice. However, the manner in which Plg functions in a low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)-driven model has not been evaluated. To characterize the effect of Pg in an LDL-C-driven model, mice with a triple deficiency of the LDL-receptor (LDLr), along with the active component (apobec1) of the apolipoprotein B editosome complex, and Pg (L−/−/A−/−/Plg−/−), were generated. Atherosclerotic plaque formation was severely retarded in the absence of Pg. In vitro studies demonstrated that LDL uptake by macrophages was enhanced by plasmin (Pm), whereas circulating levels of LDL were enhanced, relative to L−/−/A−/− mice, and VLDL synthesis was suppressed. These results indicated that clearance of lipoproteins in the absence of LDLr may be regulated by Pg/Pm. Conclusions: The results from this study indicate that Pg exacerbates atherosclerosis in an LDL-C model of atherosclerosis and also plays a role in lipoprotein modification and clearance. Therefore, controlling the Pg system on macrophages to prevent foam cell formation would be a novel therapeutic approach.

Effects of Long-term Direct Thrombin Inhibition by Dabigatran Etexilate on Progression of Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- and LDLR-/- Double-knockout Mice

Background: Atherosclerosis is characterized by a hypercoagulable state, during which coagulation and fibrinolytic factors are simultaneously activated. However, details regarding the progression of atherosclerosis remain unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of direct long-term inhibition of thrombin by dabigatran etexilate on atherosclerotic progression in apolipoprotein E–/– and low-density lipoprotein receptor–/– double-knockout mice. Methods: Mice received either standard chow (placebo group) or dabigatran-supplemented chow for 22 weeks. The amount of atherosclerosis was estimated as the ratio of the atherosclerotic area to the total aortic intimal area. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator (t-PA), and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) in atherosclerotic regions. Results: The atherosclerotic area was smaller in the dabigatran group than in the placebo group. Immunohistochemistry revealed decreased expression of MMP-9 and VEGF, but increased expression of eNOS, in the dabigatran group compared with the placebo group. t-PA expression did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: Direct long-term inhibition of thrombin by dabigatran in mice led to a decrease in atherosclerosis progression via decreased expression of MMP-9 and VEGF.