scholarly journals Pre-Clinical Investigation of Cardioprotective Beta-Blockers as a Therapeutic Strategy for Preeclampsia

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3384
Author(s):  
Natalie K. Binder ◽  
Teresa M. MacDonald ◽  
Sally A. Beard ◽  
Natasha de Alwis ◽  
Stephen Tong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Angiogenic Factors ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Markers Of Inflammation

Despite significant maternal and fetal morbidity, a treatment for preeclampsia currently remains an unmet need in clinical care. As too does the lifelong cardiovascular risks imparted on preeclampsia sufferers. Endothelial dysfunction and end-organ injury are synonymous with both preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. We propose that beta-blockers, known to improve endothelial dysfunction in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and specifically known to reduce mortality in the treatment of heart failure, may be beneficial in the treatment of preeclampsia. Here, we assessed whether the beta-blockers carvedilol, bisoprolol, and metoprolol could quench the release of anti-angiogenic factors, promote production of pro-angiogenic factors, reduce markers of inflammation, and reduce endothelial dysfunction using our in vitro pre-clinical preeclampsia models encompassing primary placental tissue and endothelial cells. Here, we show beta-blockers effected a modest reduction in secretion of anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin and increased expression of pro-angiogenic placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and adrenomedullin in endothelial cells. Beta-blocker treatment mitigated inflammatory changes occurring after endothelial dysfunction and promoted cytoprotective antioxidant heme oxygenase-1. The positive effects of the beta-blockers were predominantly seen in endothelial cells, with a less consistent response seen in placental cells/tissue. In conclusion, beta-blockers show potential as a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of preeclampsia and warrant further investigation.

Platelet-Derived Exosomes Affect the Proliferation and Migration of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Via miR-126

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Sun ◽  
Xiao-li Liu ◽  
Dai Zhang ◽  
Fang Liu ◽  
Yu-jing Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Angiogenic Factors ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ◽  
Tgf Β1 ◽  
Proliferation And Migration

Background:Intraplaque angiogenesis, the process of generating new blood vessels mediated by endothelial cells, contributes to plaque growth, intraplaque hemorrhage, and thromboembolic events. Platelet-derived Exosomes (PLT-EXOs) affect angiogenesis in multiple ways. The ability of miR-126, one of the best-characterized miRNAs that regulates angiogenesis, carried by PLT-EXOs to influence angiogenesis via the regulation of the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PLT-EXOs on angiogenesis by Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs).Methods:We evaluated the levels of miR-126 and angiogenic factors in PLT-EXOs from Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients and healthy donors by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and western blotting. We incubated HUVECs with PLT-EXOs and measured cell proliferation and migration with the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and scratch assay, respectively. We also investigated the expression of miR-126 and angiogenic factors in HUVECs after exposure to PLT-EXOs by western blotting and real-time PCR.Results:PLT-EXOs from ACS patients contained higher levels of miR-126 and angiogenic factors, including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1), than those from healthy donors (p<0.05). Moreover, the levels of exosomal miR-126 and angiogenic factors were increased after stimulation with thrombin (p<0.01). HUVEC proliferation and migration were promoted by treatment with activated PLT-EXOs (p<0.01); they were accompanied by the over-expression of miR-126 and angiogenic factors, including VEGF, bFGF, and TGF-β1 (p<0.01).Conclusion:Activated PLT-EXOs promoted the proliferation and migration of HUVECs, and the overexpression of miR-126 and angiogenic factors, thereby elucidating potential new therapeutic targets for intraplaque angiogenesis.

scholarly journals Pravastatin Promotes Endothelial Colony-Forming Cell Function, Angiogenic Signaling and Protein Expression In Vitro

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Nadia Meyer ◽  
Lars Brodowski ◽  
Katja Richter ◽  
Constantin S. von Kaisenberg ◽  
Bianca Schröder-Heurich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Functional Capacities

Endothelial dysfunction is a primary feature of several cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) represent a highly proliferative subtype of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are involved in neovascularization and vascular repair. Statins are known to improve the outcome of cardiovascular diseases via pleiotropic effects. We hypothesized that treatment with the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl–coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor pravastatin increases ECFCs’ functional capacities and regulates the expression of proteins which modulate endothelial health in a favourable manner. Umbilical cord blood derived ECFCs were incubated with different concentrations of pravastatin with or without mevalonate, a key intermediate in cholesterol synthesis. Functional capacities such as migration, proliferation and tube formation were addressed in corresponding in vitro assays. mRNA and protein levels or phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and endoglin (Eng) were analyzed by real time PCR or immunoblot, respectively. Proliferation, migration and tube formation of ECFCs were enhanced after pravastatin treatment, and AKT- and eNOS-phosphorylation were augmented. Further, expression levels of HO-1, VEGF-A and PlGF were increased, whereas expression levels of sFlt-1 and Eng were decreased. Pravastatin induced effects were reversible by the addition of mevalonate. Pravastatin induces beneficial effects on ECFC function, angiogenic signaling and protein expression. These effects may contribute to understand the pleiotropic function of statins as well as to provide a promising option to improve ECFCs’ condition in cell therapy in order to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction.

scholarly journals Hyperglycaemia up-regulates placental growth factor (PlGF) expression and secretion in endothelial cells via suppression of PI3 kinase-Akt signalling and activation of FOXO1

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samir Sissaoui ◽  
Stuart Egginton ◽  
Ling Ting ◽  
Asif Ahmed ◽  
Peter W. Hewett
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Akt Activation ◽  
Forkhead Box ◽  
Pi3k Activity ◽  
Binding Sequence

AbstractPlacenta growth factor (PlGF) is a pro-inflammatory angiogenic mediator that promotes many pathologies including diabetic complications and atherosclerosis. Widespread endothelial dysfunction precedes the onset of these conditions. As very little is known of the mechanism(s) controlling PlGF expression in pathology we investigated the role of hyperglycaemia in the regulation of PlGF production in endothelial cells. Hyperglycaemia stimulated PlGF secretion in cultured primary endothelial cells, which was suppressed by IGF-1-mediated PI3K/Akt activation. Inhibition of PI3K activity resulted in significant PlGF mRNA up-regulation and protein secretion. Similarly, loss or inhibition of Akt activity significantly increased basal PlGF expression and prevented any further PlGF secretion in hyperglycaemia. Conversely, constitutive Akt activation blocked PlGF secretion irrespective of upstream PI3K activity demonstrating that Akt is a central regulator of PlGF expression. Knock-down of the Forkhead box O-1 (FOXO1) transcription factor, which is negatively regulated by Akt, suppressed both basal and hyperglycaemia-induced PlGF secretion, whilst FOXO1 gain-of-function up-regulated PlGF in vitro and in vivo. FOXO1 association to a FOXO binding sequence identified in the PlGF promoter also increased in hyperglycaemia. This study identifies the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signalling axis as a key regulator of PlGF expression and unifying pathway by which PlGF may contribute to common disorders characterised by endothelial dysfunction, providing a target for therapy.

scholarly journals Targeting Endothelial Function to Treat Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: The Promise of Exercise Training

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas B. Gevaert ◽  
Katrien Lemmens ◽  
Christiaan J. Vrints ◽  
Emeline M. Van Craenenbroeck
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ◽  
Reduced Ejection Fraction

Although the burden of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasing, there is no therapy available that improves prognosis. Clinical trials using beta blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, cardiac-targeting drugs that reduce mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), have had disappointing results in HFpEF patients. A new “whole-systems” approach has been proposed for designing future HFpEF therapies, moving focus from the cardiomyocyte to the endothelium. Indeed, dysfunction of endothelial cells throughout the entire cardiovascular system is suggested as a central mechanism in HFpEF pathophysiology. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding endothelial dysfunction in HFpEF. We discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to endothelial dysfunction and the extent, presence, and prognostic importance of clinical endothelial dysfunction in different vascular beds. We also consider implications towards exercise training, a promising therapy targeting system-wide endothelial dysfunction in HFpEF.

scholarly journals Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Middle‐Aged Adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shejuti Paul ◽  
Mandy Wong ◽  
Ehimare Akhabue ◽  
Rupal C. Mehta ◽  
Holly Kramer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Fibroblast Growth ◽  
Heart Failure Hospitalization ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

Background Higher circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) associates with greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in older adults. The association of FGF23 with cardiovascular outcomes in younger populations has been incompletely explored. Methods and Results We measured C‐terminal FGF23 (cFGF23) and intact FGF23 (iFGF23) in 3151 middle‐aged adults (mean age, 45±4) who participated in the year 20 examination of the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study. We used separate Cox proportional hazards models to examine the associations of cFGF23 and iFGF23 with incident CVD and mortality, adjusting models sequentially for sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory factors. A total of 157 incident CVD events and 135 deaths occurred over a median 7.6 years of follow‐up (interquartile range, 4.1–9.9). In fully adjusted models, there were no statistically significant associations of FGF23 with incident CVD events (hazard ratio per doubling of cFGF23: 1.14, 95%CI 0.97,1.34; iFGF23: 0.76, 95%CI 0.57,1.02) or all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio per doubling of cFGF23, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.00–1.38; iFGF23, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.64–1.17). In analyses stratified by CVD subtypes, higher cFGF23 was associated with greater risk of heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio per doubling of cFGF23, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.18–1.96) but not coronary heart disease or stroke, whereas iFGF23 was not associated with CVD subtypes in any model. Conclusions In middle‐aged adults with few comorbidities, higher cFGF23 and iFGF23 were not independently associated with greater risk of CVD events or death. Higher cFGF23 was independently associated with greater risk of heart failure hospitalization.

Effects of Hypocrellin A on Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Endothelin-1 in Human Umbilical Endothelial Cells

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (04) ◽  
pp. 713-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Dang ◽  
J. Paul Seale ◽  
Xianqin Qu
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Hypocrellin A ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Vegf Protein

Increased endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) are co-contributors to endothelial hyperpermeability in diabetes. Several lines of evidence have suggested a hypothesis that activation of specific PKC isoforms are the causative factor in ET-1 and VEGF mediated endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis with hypocrellin A, a naturally occurring PKC inhibitor from a Chinese plant. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with 20 mM glucose in both the presence and absence of hypocrellin A, after which, the protein expression and release of VEGF and mRNA expression and release of ET-1 were measured. VEGF and ET-1 were released into the medium and expressions of VEGF protein and ET-1 mRNA were significantly increased in HUVECs incubated with 20 mM glucose. Hypocrellin A (150 nM) significantly decreased VEGF release (117 ± 3 vs. 180 ± 11 pg/mg, p < 0.05) and VEGF protein expression (from 130 ± 14% to 88 ± 18.5%, p < 0.05). ET-1 release was also reduced in hypocrellin A treated HUVECs (63.3 ± 9.9 vs. 75.2 ± 12.6 ng/mg). Hypocrellin A significantly reversed the effect of high glucose on ET-1 mRNA expression ( p < 0.05). The results revealed that PKC activation plays a pivotal role in VEGF and ET-1 mediated endothelial permeability. The naturally occurring compound hypocrellin A may be a potentially novel treatment for endothelial dysfunction in diabetes.

Abstract 66: The Role of the Viral Nef Protein as a Mediator of HIV-1--Induced Endothelial Dysfunction

2012 ◽  
Vol 111 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Wang
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Endothelial Activation ◽  
Endothelial Cell Activation ◽  
Hiv 1

With the prevalence of antiviral therapy in the developed world, many HIV-1-infected people die of diseases other than AIDS. One of the emerging major causes is cardiovascular disease, leading to the prediction that the majority of HIV-1 patients are expected to develop cardiovascular complications. Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be a key event in the development of cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. Assays testing the effect of HIV-1 on endothelial activation shows that direct contact with HIV-1 infected T cells enhance endothelial cell activation to a greater extent than HIV-1 alone, suggesting an intracellular HIV-1 protein is responsible for endothelial activation. The HIV-1 viral protein Nef, which is responsible for T cell activation and maintenance of high viral loads in vivo , has been shown to mediate its own transfer to bystander cells. We demonstrate here for the first time that Nef induces nanotube-like conduits connecting T cells and endothelial cells. We also show that Nef is transferred from T cells to endothelial cells via these nanotubes, and is necessary and sufficient for endothelial cell activation. Moreover, we show that SIV-infected macaques exhibit endothelial Nef expression in coronary arteries. Nef expression in endothelial cells causes endothelial apoptosis, ROS and MCP-1 production. Interestingly, a Nef SH3 binding site mutant abolishes Nef-induced apoptosis and ROS formation and reduces MCP-1 production in endothelial cells, suggesting that the Nef SH3 binding site is critical for Nef effects on endothelial cells. Nef induces apoptosis of endothelial cells through an NADPH oxidase- and ROS-dependent mechanism, while Nef-induced MCP-1 production is NF-kB dependent. Taken together, these data suggest that Nef can mediate its transfer from T cells to endothelial cells through nanotubes to enhance endothelial dysfunction.Thus, Nef is a promising new therapeutic target for reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease in the HIV-1 positive population.

scholarly journals Protective Effects of Polyphenols Present in Mediterranean Diet on Endothelial Dysfunction

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Stromsnes ◽  
C. Mas-Bargues ◽  
J. Gambini ◽  
L. Gimeno-Mallench
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Microvascular Complications ◽  
Additional Benefit ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Effects Of Aging

Endothelial dysfunction tends to be the initial indicator in proinflammatory state and macro- and microvascular complications, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown that certain compounds in diet can generate beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease due to its interactions with endothelial cells. Thus, this review is aimed at investigating whether certain polyphenols present in the Mediterranean diet, specifically catechin, quercetin, resveratrol, and urolithin, could exert positive effects on endothelial dysfunction. After analysis of numerous papers, we found that polyphenols aiding endothelial function is beneficial not only for patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or endothelial dysfunction but for all people as it can improve the effects of aging on the endothelia. The additional benefit of these polyphenols on weight loss further improves health and lowers the risk of several diseases, including those caused by endothelial dysfunction. However, it is important to note that the dosages in the majorities of the studies mentioned in this review were of supplemental rather than nutritionally relevant quantities, and therefore, the recommended dosages are difficult to determine.

Angiogenic Gene Expression in Down Syndrome Fetal Hearts

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Sánchez ◽  
Carmen Domínguez ◽  
Aina Ruiz ◽  
Irene Ribera ◽  
Jaume Alijotas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Heart Defects ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Transcript Level ◽  
Heart Tissue ◽  
Angiogenic Factors ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Introduction: Forty percent of Down syndrome (DS) fetuses have congenital heart defects (CHD). An abnormal angiogenic environment has been described in euploid fetuses with CHD. However, the underlying pathophysiologic pathway that contributes to CHD in DS remains unknown. The objective was to compare the expression of angiogenic factors and chronic hypoxia genes in heart tissue from DS and euploid fetuses with and without CHD. Methods: The gene expression profile was determined by real-time PCR quantification in heart tissue from 33 fetuses with DS, 23 euploid fetuses with CHD and 23 control fetuses. Results: Angiogenic factors mRNA expression was significantly increased in the DS group compared to the controls (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, 81%, p = 0.007; vascular endothelial growth factor A, 57%, p = 0.006, and placental growth factor, 32%, p = 0.0227). Significant increases in the transcript level of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α and heme oxygenase 1 were also observed in the DS group compared to the controls. The expression of angiogenic factors was similar in DS fetuses and CHD euploid fetuses with CHD. Conclusion: Abnormal angiogenesis was detected in the hearts of DS fetuses with and without CHD. Our results suggest that DS determines an intrinsically angiogenic impairment that may be present in the fetal heart.

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