Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0004153 (atherosclerosis)
 77,401 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) upregulate transcription of various inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins, such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2. Recent studies have demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma is present in atherosclerotic lesions, and negatively regulates expression of these genes. Interestingly, PPAR-gamma gene promoter has tandem repeats of C/EBP-binding motif, and C/EBP-delta plays a pivotal role in transactivation of PPAR-gamma gene. It has been well known that the interaction between C/EBPs and PPAR-gamma plays a central role in maintaining adipocyte differentiation and glucometabolism; however, the relationship between PPAR-gamma and C/EBPs in the vessel wall remains unclear. In the present study, we showed that a high level of C/EBP-delta expression induced by inflammation positively regulated transcription and protein expression of PPAR-gamma in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). On the other hand, PPAR-gamma ligands troglitazone, pioglitazone, and 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) inhibited IL-1beta-induced IL-6 expression at a transcriptional revel in VSMCs. Functional promoter analysis revealed that PPAR-gamma ligands inhibited IL-1beta-induced transactivation of IL-6 gene via suppression of not only nuclear factor-kappaB but also C/EBP-DNA binding. Moreover, PPAR-gamma ligands suppressed protein expression and transcription of C/EBP-delta through dephosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. These findings strongly suggest that C/EBP-delta is negatively autoregulated via transactivation of PPAR-gamma. This feedback mechanism probably downregulates transcription of inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins, and modulates inflammatory responses in the early process of atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Vascular inflammation is negatively autoregulated by interaction between CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-delta and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma. 1221 84

Cyclooxygenase regulates the production of eicosanoids, which modulate physiologic processes in the vessel wall contributing to atherosclerosis and thrombosis, including platelet aggregation, control of vascular tone, and the local inflammatory response. Cyclooxygenase-1 mediates production of platelet thromboxane A(2), a potent vasoconstrictor and platelet agonist, whereas both cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 contribute to production of endothelial prostacyclin, a vasodilator that inhibits platelet activation. Concerns have been raised that cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may increase thrombotic cardiovascular events by disturbing the balance between platelet thromboxane A(2) and endothelial prostacyclin, but this controversial issue will only be resolved by prospective clinical trials. Because cyclooxygenase-2 is upregulated in activated monocyte/macrophages, which play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, we have recently tested the hypothesis that pharmacological inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 in LDL-receptor deficient mice would reduce early atherosclerosis. After 6 weeks on a Western-type diet, male LDL-receptor deficient mice treated with either rofecoxib (a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) or indomethacin (a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor) had significant reductions in atherosclerosis when compared with control mice. Also, LDL-receptor deficient mice null for macrophage cyclooxygenase-2 were generated by fetal liver cell transplantation and developed significantly less atherosclerosis than control LDL-receptor deficient mice transplanted with fetal liver cells wildtype for cyclooxygenase-2, providing genetic evidence in support of a proatherogenic role for macrophage cyclooxygenase-2 expression. These results support the potential of antiinflammatory approaches for the prevention of atherosclerosis and identify cyclooxygenase-2 as a target for intervention.
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PMID:Cyclooxygenase-2 and atherosclerosis. 1235 13

Angiotensin II (ANG II) promotes vascular inflammation through nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-mediated induction of pro-inflammatory genes. The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in modulating vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis in vivo is unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of ANG II on PPARs and NF-kappaB-dependent pro-inflammatory genes in the vascular wall in an in vivo model of atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation. Six-month-old male apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-KO) mice were treated with ANG II (1.44 mg/kg per day for 30 days). ANG II enhanced vascular inflammation, accelerated atherosclerosis, and induced formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms. These effects of ANG II in the aorta were associated with downregulation of both PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma mRNA and protein and an increase in transcription of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), endothelial-selectin (E-selectin), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) throughout the entire aorta. ANG II also activated NF-kappaB with increases in both p52 and p65 NF-kappaB subunits. In summary, these in vivo results indicate that ANG II, through activation of NF-kappaB-mediated pro-inflammatory genes, promotes vascular inflammation, leading to acceleration of atherosclerosis and induction of aneurysm in apoE-KO mice. Downregulation of PPAR-alpha and -gamma by ANG II may diminish the anti-inflammatory potential of PPARs, thus contributing to enhanced vascular inflammation.
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PMID:Angiotensin II is associated with activation of NF-kappaB-mediated genes and downregulation of PPARs. 1236 87

Atherogenesis is the consequence of a variety of effector mechanisms rather than the result of a single functional molecule. In this connection, type IIA secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is an acute-phase reactant, which accumulates in atherosclerotic arterial walls, elicits several effects on monocytes, and has been related to the development of atherosclerosis. CD40/CD40 ligand pair is also a strong proatherogenic system. sPLA2 produced an increase of the surface expression of CD40 in THP-1 monocytes and enhanced the effect of CD40 ligation on the expression of both Fas and FasL, thus indicating the existence of a positive cooperation between sPLA2 and different elements of the TNF-receptor superfamily. Activation of the CD40/CD40L dyad with anti-CD40 antibody produced a small release of arachidonic acid and lacked any significant effect on the induction of cyclooxygenase-2, whereas the secretion of the chemokine MCP-1 and the surface display of CD11b, the alpha chain of the integrin Mac-1, were upregulated. Engagement of CD40 did not influence the survival of THP-1 monocytes, but coincubation of THP-1 monocytes pretreated with anti-CD40 antibody and Jurkat cells induced a significant increase of the number of Jurkat cells showing binding of annexin-V, and nuclear condensation and fragmentation, thus indicating that this treatment might trigger a juxtacrine/paracrine mechanism of apoptotic death in sensitive cell types. This data indicates the existence of overlapping routes for the response to CD40, TNF-alpha, and sPLA2, thus allowing the development of distinct patterns of response in monocytic cells.
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PMID:Cooperation between secretory phospholipase A2 and TNF-receptor superfamily signaling: implications for the inflammatory response in atherogenesis. 1238 44

Epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to the metalloid arsenic constitutes a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether arsenic could stimulate generation of factors involved in oxidative stress and inflammation, conditions associated with atherosclerosis, or coronary artery disease. We found that production of peroxynitrite, a strong oxidant formed from the coupling of nitric oxide and superoxide anion, was significantly increased in bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells exposed to sodium arsenite at concentrations as low as 0.5 microM. Expression of the inflammatory mediator cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was also upregulated in response to arsenite exposure as demonstrated by Western blot analysis. The increase in COX-2 protein was time dependent with highest levels at 30 min and 48 h. This result was supported by an increase in the generation of prostaglandin E(2) following exposure to arsenic. Nitrotyrosine residues in proteins are indicative of peroxynitrite generation, and extensive nitrotyrosine formation has been detected in atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, COX-2 protein was immunoprecipitated from BAE cells and submitted to Western blot analysis using an antibody to nitrotyrosine. Nitration of COX-2 was detected in arsenic-treated cells, but not in untreated control cells. The findings in this report suggest an increase in reactive species, notably peroxynitrite, in BAE cells exposed to arsenic. Furthermore, induction of important inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 may exacerbate the inflammatory state typical of atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Arsenic induces peroxynitrite generation and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression in aortic endothelial cells: possible role in atherosclerosis. 1239 64

Abeta peptides are thought to be critical molecules in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are the major protein constituents of senile plaques. In most AD cases, Abeta peptides also form some deposits in the cerebrovasculature, leading to cerebral amyloid angiopathy and hemorrhagic stroke. Regional cerebral hypoperfusion is one of the earlier clinical manifestations in both the sporadic and familial forms of AD. In addition, a variety of vascular risk factors of different etiologies (for instance, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol level, atherosclerosis, and smoking) constitute risk factors for AD as well, suggesting that functional vascular abnormalities may contribute to AD pathology. We studied the effect of Abeta on constrictor responses elicited by endothelin-1 in isolated human cerebral arteries collected following rapid autopsies. We report that freshly solubilized Abeta potentiates endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction in isolated human middle cerebral and basilar arteries. The vasoconstriction elicited by Abeta in these large human cerebral arteries appears to be completely antagonized by NS-398, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, or by SB202190, a specific p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, suggesting that Abeta vasoactivity is mediated via the stimulation of a proinflammatory pathway. In addition, a similar proinflammatory response appears to be mediated by Abeta in isolated human brain microvessels, resulting in an increased production of prostaglandin E(2) and F(2alpha). Using a scanner laser Doppler imager, we show a progressive decline with aging in cortical perfusion level in transgenic APPsw mice (line 2576) compared with age-matched control littermates. The relation between the acute proinflammatory and vasoactive properties of Abeta and the chronic progressive hypoperfusion seen in AD (and transgenic models thereof) is yet to be elucidated.
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PMID:Proinflammatory and vasoactive effects of Abeta in the cerebrovasculature. 1248 Jul 34

There is good evidence that the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in fish oil have antiinflammatory effects and reduce the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms underlying these actions are largely unknown. This study was designed to investigate the effects of membrane incorporation of two major components of fish oil [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], on rat smooth muscle cells (SMCs) activation induced by interleukin-1 beta (IL1 beta). We compared their effects with those of n-6 arachidonic acid (AA). Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 adhesion molecules involved in SMCs migration was enhanced by AA, whereas EPA and DHA had no similar effects. We established that AA potentiates IL1 beta-induced expression of the type IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) gene, whereas EPA and DHA reduce this stimulation. EPA and DHA also abolished proinflammatory prostaglandin PGE2 production by inhibiting the IL1 beta-induced production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA. Much interest was then focused on three transcriptional factors implicated in inflammation control and especially in modulating rat sPLA2 and COX-2 gene transcription: nuclear factor-kappa B, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta, and E26 transformation-specific-1. electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that the binding activity of all three factors was increased by AA and reduced (or not affected) by n-3 PUFA. These results indicate that EPA and DHA act in opposition to AA by modulating various steps of the inflammatory process induced by IL1 beta, probably by reducing mitogen-activated protein kinase p42/p44 activity.
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PMID:Different effects of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the activation of rat smooth muscle cells by interleukin-1 beta. 1256 59

Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (PGH-synthase) or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is inducible by a variety of stimuli, e.g. inflammatory mediators, growth factors and hormones and is believed to be responsible for the majority of inflammatory prostanoid production. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that COX-2 contributes substantially to prostacyclin-synthesis in patients with atherosclerosis. In this study, we demonstrate an up-regulation of COX-2 mRNA, protein and product formation by the prostacyclin-mimetic iloprost in human vascular smooth muscle cells (hSMC). COX-2 mRNA expression was induced transiently between 1 and 6 hr and returned to basal levels after 16 hr of iloprost stimulation. COX-2 protein was induced concomitantly between 3 and 6 hr of iloprost stimulation. This was accompanied by an increase in PGI(2) formation. Forskolin, a direct activator of adenylyl cyclase, and dibutyryl cAMP, a cell-permeable cAMP analogue-induced COX-2 mRNA, suggesting a cAMP-dependent COX-2 expression in hSMC. Iloprost-induced COX-2 protein expression and PGI(2) formation was synergistically elevated by co-stimulation with the phorbolester PMA (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate). It is concluded, that the observed up-regulation of COX-2 with subsequent release of newly synthesized PGI(2) and the synergistic effect of iloprost and phorbolester on PGI(2) formation provide a positive feedback of prostaglandins on their own synthesizing enzyme. This might be important for control of hSMC proliferation, migration and differentiation as well as inhibition of platelet aggregation.
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PMID:Regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression by iloprost in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Role of transcription factors CREB and ICER. 1262 29

The immunologic response in atherosclerosis involves not only intrinsic cells of the artery wall, but also circulating leukocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Interaction of various arms of the immune response modulates plaque development and stability, and it is conceivable that immunologic effects of some cardiovascular therapies may contribute to their mechanism of benefit. The preponderance of data has accrued with the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins). Statin effects, such as inhibition of T cell activation, tissue factor expression, or reduction of platelet hyperreactivity, may elicit beneficial effects in vitro and in vivo in patients with coronary artery disease. Moreover, aspirin may limit oxidation of lipoproteins and fibrinogen, and it may inhibit cytokine-induced nitric oxide synthase II expression. The hypothesis that selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) may increase risk of myocardial infarction is controversial and may also be of questionable clinical significance. Finally, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors not only reduce proinflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-6, but also enhance the concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-10. Because ACE is expressed at the shoulder region of atherosclerotic plaques, and ACE activity is enhanced in unstable plaques, ACE inhibition may also contribute to plaque stability. This article reviews the potential immunomodulatory potencies of aspirin, COX-2 inhibitors, statins, and ACE inhibitors as established pharmacotherapy in patients with coronary artery disease.
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PMID:Role of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and aspirin in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory treatment of cardiovascular diseases. 1281 30

It is widely accepted that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) rich in fish oils protect against several types of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, or hypertension. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be the active biological components of these effects. Although the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects are still uncertain, the protective effects of n-3 PUFAs are attributable to their direct effects on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) functions. These n-3 PUFAs activate K(+)(ATP) channels and inhibit certain types of Ca(2+) channels, probably via at least 2 distinct mechanisms. N-3 PUFAs favorably alter the eicosanoid profile and regulate cytokine-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 via mechanisms involving modulation of signaling transduction events. N-3 PUFAs also modulate VSMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. These recent data suggest that modulation of these VSMC functions contribute to the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs on various cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, recent studies strongly suggest that DHA has more potent and beneficial effects than EPA. However, many questions about the cellular and molecular mechanisms still remain to be answered.
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PMID:Cardiovascular protective effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with special emphasis on docosahexaenoic acid. 1293 15


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