International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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17 pages, 1103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic and Lifestyle-Related Factors Influencing Serum Hyper-Propionylcarnitine Concentrations and Their Association with Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

by Yong-Hwa Lee and Sunmin Park

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15810; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115810 - 31 Oct 2023

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Abstract

The genetic and environmental determinants of serum propionylcarnitine concentrations (PC) remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the impact of genetic and environmental factors on serum propionylcarnitine levels in middle-aged and elderly participants from the Ansan/Ansung cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. [...] Read more.

The genetic and environmental determinants of serum propionylcarnitine concentrations (PC) remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the impact of genetic and environmental factors on serum propionylcarnitine levels in middle-aged and elderly participants from the Ansan/Ansung cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Our goal was to understand the role of PC on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) leading to cardiovascular disease, particularly concerning branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism. We analyzed participants’ demographic, lifestyle, and biochemical data with and without MetS. Serum metabolite concentrations, including carnitine, acylcarnitine, and amino acid concentrations, were measured, and the components of MetS were evaluated. Genetic variants associated with low and high PC were selected using genome-wide association studies after adjusting for MetS-related parameters. Further, genetic variants and lifestyle factors that interacted with the polygenic risk score (PRS) were analyzed. Participants with MetS were older and less educated, and their alcohol intake was higher than non-MetS participants. PC was significantly associated with the MetS risk and increased the serum levels of BCAAs and other amino acids. Higher PC positively correlated with MetS components, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk factors. Intake of calcium, sodium, and vitamin D were inversely associated with PC, but coffee consumption was positively linked to PC. Multiple C2 And Transmembrane Domain Containing-1 (MCTP1)_rs4290997, Kinesin Family Member-7 (KIF7)_rs2350480, Coagulation Factor-II (F2)_rs2070850, Peroxisomal Biogenesis Factor-3 (PEX3)_rs223231, TBC1 Domain Family Member-22A (TBC1D22A)_rs910543, and Phospholipase A2 Group-IV-C (PLA2G4C)_rs7252136 interact with each other to have a threefold influence on PC. The PRS for the six-genetic variant model also interacted with age; the diet rich in beans, potato, and kimchi; and smoking status, influencing PC. In conclusion, elevated PC was associated with MetS and cardiovascular disease risk, suggesting their potential as disease biomarkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Biology to Therapeutic Perspective 5.0)

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10 pages, 789 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smoking and Diabetes Attenuate Number of CD34⁺ Haematopoietic Stem Cells in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Advanced Peripheral Artery Disease

by Barbara Sernek, Rok Kamnikar, Miran Sebestjen, Anja Boc and Vinko Boc

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(20), 15346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015346 - 19 Oct 2023

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Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a globally prevalent problem with limited treatment options, leaving up to a fifth of patients remediless. The emergence of new studies on cell therapy in recent years offers a new promising option for their treatment. Our aim was [...] Read more.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a globally prevalent problem with limited treatment options, leaving up to a fifth of patients remediless. The emergence of new studies on cell therapy in recent years offers a new promising option for their treatment. Our aim was to explore how the number of CD34⁺ hematopoietic cells in the peripheral blood of PAD patients is associated with patients’ functional as well as atherogenic factors. We selected 30 patients with advanced PAD, recorded their performance in a walking test in standard conditions and sampled their blood for further analysis with an emphasis on CD34⁺ cell selection and counting. No correlation of the CD34⁺ cell number was confirmed with any of the observed laboratory parameters. There was an association between the claudication distance and the number of CD34⁺ cells (r = −0.403, p = 0.046). The number of CD34⁺ cells differed between patients with and without type II diabetes (p = 0.071) and between active smokers, past smokers, and non-smokers (p = 0.035; p = 0.068, p = 0.051, respectively), with both smoking and presence of diabetes type II having a negative effect on the number of CD34⁺ cells. Our study demonstrated a dependence of the CD34⁺ cell number on the patient’s characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Biology to Therapeutic Perspective 5.0)

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Review

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25 pages, 1280 KiB

Open AccessReview

Atherosclerosis and the Bidirectional Relationship between Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to Bedside—Part 1

by Giuseppina Gallucci, Fabio Maria Turazza, Alessandro Inno, Maria Laura Canale, Nicola Silvestris, Roberto Farì, Alessandro Navazio, Carmine Pinto and Luigi Tarantini

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084232 - 11 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Atherosclerosis, a complex metabolic-immune disease characterized by chronic inflammation driven by the buildup of lipid-rich plaques within arterial walls, has emerged as a pivotal factor in the intricate interplay between cancer and cardiovascular disease. This bidirectional relationship, marked by shared risk factors and [...] Read more.

Atherosclerosis, a complex metabolic-immune disease characterized by chronic inflammation driven by the buildup of lipid-rich plaques within arterial walls, has emerged as a pivotal factor in the intricate interplay between cancer and cardiovascular disease. This bidirectional relationship, marked by shared risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of how these two formidable health challenges intersect and influence each other. Cancer and its treatments can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, while atherosclerosis, with its inflammatory microenvironment, can exert profound effects on cancer development and outcomes. Both cancer and cardiovascular disease involve intricate interactions between general and personal exposomes. In this review, we aim to summarize the state of the art of translational data and try to show how oncologic studies on cardiotoxicity can broaden our knowledge of crucial pathways in cardiovascular biology and exert a positive impact on precision cardiology and cardio-oncology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Biology to Therapeutic Perspective 5.0)

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18 pages, 639 KiB

Open AccessReview

TGF-β Isoforms and GDF-15 in the Development and Progression of Atherosclerosis

by Agnė Liuizė (Abramavičiūtė) and Aušra Mongirdienė

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042104 - 9 Feb 2024

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Abstract

The effect of oxidised lipoproteins on the endothelium, monocytes, platelets, and macrophages is a key factor in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Antioxidant action, lipoprotein metabolism, and chronic inflammation are the fields of research interest for better understanding the development of the [...] Read more.

The effect of oxidised lipoproteins on the endothelium, monocytes, platelets, and macrophages is a key factor in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Antioxidant action, lipoprotein metabolism, and chronic inflammation are the fields of research interest for better understanding the development of the disease. All the fields are related to inflammation and hence to the secretion of cytokines, which are being investigated as potential diagnostic markers for the onset of atherosclerosis. Pathways of vascular damage are crucial for the development of new laboratory readouts. The very early detection of endothelial cell damage associated with the onset of atherosclerosis, allowing the initiation of therapy, remains a major research goal. This article summarises the latest results on the relationship of tumour growth factor beta (TGF-β) isoforms and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis: which cells involved in atherosclerosis produce them, which effectors stimulate their synthesis and secretion, how they influence atherosclerosis development, and the relationship between the levels of TGF-β and GDF-15 in the blood and the development and extent of atherosclerosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Biology to Therapeutic Perspective 5.0)

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24 pages, 2383 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease—Its Pathophysiology, Association with Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease, and Treatments

by Hidekatsu Yanai, Hiroki Adachi, Mariko Hakoshima, Sakura Iida and Hisayuki Katsuyama

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(20), 15473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015473 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease that affects more than a quarter of the global population and whose prevalence is increasing worldwide due to the pandemic of obesity. Obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, high blood pressure and atherogenic dyslipidemia are [...] Read more.

Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease that affects more than a quarter of the global population and whose prevalence is increasing worldwide due to the pandemic of obesity. Obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, high blood pressure and atherogenic dyslipidemia are risk factors for MASLD. Therefore, insulin resistance may be closely associated with the development and progression of MASLD. Hepatic entry of increased fatty acids released from adipose tissue, increase in fatty acid synthesis and reduced fatty acid oxidation in the liver and hepatic overproduction of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins may induce the development of MASLD. Since insulin resistance also induces atherosclerosis, the leading cause for death in MASLD patients is cardiovascular disease. Considering that the development of cardiovascular diseases determines the prognosis of MASLD patients, the therapeutic interventions for MASLD should reduce body weight and improve coronary risk factors, in addition to an improving in liver function. Lifestyle modifications, such as improved diet and increased exercise, and surgical interventions, such as bariatric surgery and intragastric balloons, have shown to improve MASLD by reducing body weight. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been shown to improve coronary risk factors and to suppress the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Both SGLT2i and GLP-1 have been reported to improve liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. We recently reported that the selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) modulator pemafibrate improved liver function. PPARα agonists have multiple anti-atherogenic properties. Here, we consider the pathophysiology of MASLD and the mechanisms of action of such drugs and whether such drugs and the combination therapy of such drugs could be the treatments for MASLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Biology to Therapeutic Perspective 5.0)

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18 pages, 1599 KiB

Open AccessReview

PPARγ in Atherosclerotic Endothelial Dysfunction: Regulatory Compounds and PTMs

by Jinwen Luan, Xiaohui Ji and Longhua Liu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914494 - 24 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1378

Abstract

The formation of atherosclerotic plaques is one of the main sources of cardiovascular disease. In addition to known risk factors such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, endothelial dysfunction has been shown to play a key role in the formation and progression of [...] Read more.

The formation of atherosclerotic plaques is one of the main sources of cardiovascular disease. In addition to known risk factors such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, endothelial dysfunction has been shown to play a key role in the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), a transcription factor belonging to the steroid superfamily, is expressed in the aorta and plays a critical role in protecting endothelial function. It thereby serves as a target for treating both diabetes and atherosclerosis. Although many studies have examined endothelial cell disorders in atherosclerosis, the role of PPARγ in endothelial dysfunction is still not well understood. In this review, we summarize the possible mechanisms of action behind PPARγ regulatory compounds and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of PPARγ in the control of endothelial function. We also explore the potential use of endothelial PPARγ-targeted agents in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Biology to Therapeutic Perspective 5.0)

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26 pages, 1493 KiB

Open AccessReview

Novel Therapeutic Approaches to Prevent Atherothrombotic Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis

by Núria Puig, Arnau Solé, Ana Aguilera-Simon, Raquel Griñán, Noemi Rotllan, Pol Camps-Renom and Sonia Benitez

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 14325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814325 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1734

Abstract

Atherothrombotic stroke represents approximately 20% of all ischemic strokes. It is caused by large-artery atherosclerosis, mostly in the internal carotid artery, and it is associated with a high risk of early recurrence. After an ischemic stroke, tissue plasminogen activator is used in clinical [...] Read more.

Atherothrombotic stroke represents approximately 20% of all ischemic strokes. It is caused by large-artery atherosclerosis, mostly in the internal carotid artery, and it is associated with a high risk of early recurrence. After an ischemic stroke, tissue plasminogen activator is used in clinical practice, although it is not possible in all patients. In severe clinical situations, such as high carotid stenosis (≥70%), revascularization by carotid endarterectomy or by stent placement is carried out to avoid recurrences. In stroke prevention, the pharmacological recommendations are based on antithrombotic, lipid-lowering, and antihypertensive therapy. Inflammation is a promising target in stroke prevention, particularly in ischemic strokes associated with atherosclerosis. However, the use of anti-inflammatory strategies has been scarcely studied. No clinical trials are clearly successful and most preclinical studies are focused on protection after a stroke. The present review describes novel therapies addressed to counteract inflammation in the prevention of the first-ever or recurrent stroke. The putative clinical use of broad-spectrum and specific anti-inflammatory drugs, such as monoclonal antibodies and microRNAs (miRNAs) as regulators of atherosclerosis, will be outlined. Further studies are necessary to ascertain which patients may benefit from anti-inflammatory agents and how. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Biology to Therapeutic Perspective 5.0)

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22 pages, 2412 KiB

Open AccessReview

Postprandial Hyperlipidemia: Its Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Atherogenesis, and Treatments

by Hidekatsu Yanai, Hiroki Adachi, Mariko Hakoshima and Hisayuki Katsuyama

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 13942; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813942 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3422

Abstract

Postprandial hyperlipidemia showing postprandial increases in serum triglyceride (TG) is associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). To diagnose postprandial hyperlipidemia, the oral fat loading test (OFLT) should be performed; however, this test is very time-consuming and is difficult to perform. [...] Read more.

Postprandial hyperlipidemia showing postprandial increases in serum triglyceride (TG) is associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). To diagnose postprandial hyperlipidemia, the oral fat loading test (OFLT) should be performed; however, this test is very time-consuming and is difficult to perform. Elevated serum TG levels reflect an increase in TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), such as chylomicrons (CM), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and their remnants (CM remnants [CMRs] and VLDL remnants [VLDLRs]). Understanding of elevation in CMR and/or VLDLR can lead us to understand the existence of postprandial hyperlipidemia. The measurement of apo B48, which is a constituent of CM and CMR; non-fasting TG, which includes TG content in all lipoproteins including CM and CMR; non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), which includes TRLs and low-density lipoprotein; and remnant cholesterol are useful to reveal the existence of postprandial hyperlipidemia. Postprandial hyperlipidemia is observed in patients with familial type III hyperlipoproteinemia, familial combined hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Postprandial hyperlipidemia is closely related to postprandial hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance may be an inducing and enhancing factor for both postprandial hyperlipidemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. Remnant lipoproteins and metabolic disorders associated with postprandial hyperlipidemia have various atherogenic properties such as induction of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. A healthy diet, calorie restriction, weight loss, and exercise positively impact postprandial hyperlipidemia. Anti-hyperlipidemic drugs such pemafibrate, fenofibrate, bezafibrate, ezetimibe, and eicosapentaenoic acid have been shown to improve postprandial hyperlipidemia. Anti-diabetic drugs including metformin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, pioglitazone, dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues have been shown to ameliorate postprandial hyperlipidemia. Although sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have not been proven to reduce postprandial hyperlipidemia, they reduced fasting apo B48 and remnant lipoprotein cholesterol. In conclusion, it is important to appropriately understand the existence of postprandial hyperlipidemia and to connect it to optimal treatments. However, there are some problems with the diagnosis for postprandial hyperlipidemia. Postprandial hyperlipidemia cannot be specifically defined by measures such as TG levels 2 h after a meal. To study interventions for postprandial hyperlipidemia with the outcome of preventing the onset of ASCVD, it is necessary to define postprandial hyperlipidemia using reference values such as IGT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Biology to Therapeutic Perspective 5.0)

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