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Query: UMLS:C0004153 (atherosclerosis)
 77,401 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

We examined the effects of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids on the development of the atherogenic process in mice and on the macrophage ability to secrete several effector molecules that may be involved in the atherogenic process. The secretion of inflammatory proteins such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and the production of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), nitrogen oxide (NO2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were evaluated in peritoneal macrophages isolated from atherosclerosis-susceptible C57BL/6J mice. The mice were assigned at random to three experimental groups: the first group was fed a semi-defined control diet (control diet); the second group was maintained on the control diet supplemented with 10% menhaden oil (menhaden diet); and the third group received the control diet supplemented with 10% palm oil plus 2% cholesterol (saturated fat diet). Macrophages derived from mice fed the menhaden diet showed a suppression of their basal TNF-alpha mRNA expression and production. They also presented a dramatically decreased ability to express TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta mRNAs in response to exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) compared with the macrophages from the control group. LPL mRNA and protein expression were downregulated after 6 and 15 weeks of menhaden-diet feeding. Significantly higher NO2 production in response to interferon gamma was found, both after 6 and 15 weeks of diet feeding, in the menhaden group compared with the control group. In addition, prostaglandin production and macrophage tumoricidal activity in response to LPS were decreased in this group compared with the control group. Macrophages derived from the saturated fat group did not show any significant alterations in TNF-alpha, LPL, NO2, or PGE2 secretion compared with controls. Interestingly, we observed a progressive increase of the LPS-induced IL-1 beta gene expression and secretion among macrophages harvested from mice receiving the dietary supplement of saturated fatty acids. At 6 and 15 weeks histologic examination of the atherosclerotic lesions did not reveal any important lesions in the control and menhaden groups, whereas a gradual development of fatty streaks was observed in the menhaden experimental diets for 10 additional weeks resulted in a major development of lesions in the control group, whereas only slight lesions were observed in the menhaden group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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PMID:Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent the development of atherosclerotic lesions in mice. Modulation of macrophage secretory activities. 839 89

Atherosclerotic complications are the leading cause of death in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. Therefore, we wished to investigate the prevalence of carotid artery lesions (CALs) in these subjects. Two groups were evaluated by high-resolution echo Doppler: group 1 included 103 patients (68 males and 35 females) affected by nonnephrotic CRF and group 2 included 100 control subjects (60 males and 40 females). The prevalence of hypertension was 84% in both groups. The exclusion criteria included diabetes mellitus and symptoms of cerebrovascular disease. In the two groups we evaluated clinical history, physical examination, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, blood cell counts, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, 24-hour proteinuria, and urine analysis. In group 1 patients the following lipid profile parameters were also evaluated: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), ApoAI, ApoAII, and ApoB. Group 1 had higher triglycerides and fibrinogen than group 2. A lower body mass index was found in group 1 than in group 2. The prevalence of CALs was significantly higher in the CRF patients than in the control subjects (62% v 47%; P = 0.04). The difference between the two groups was more striking among normotensive patients (62% v 19%; P = 0.03). All CRF patients affected by peripheral arterial disease and 86% of those having coronary artery disease had associated CALs. In CRF patients the severity of CALs was positively correlated to age, white blood cell count, triglycerides, and fibrinogen. Nondiabetic CRF patients have a higher prevalence of carotid artery lesions than control subjects. Several factors besides hypertension, including lipids, blood coagulation, and leukocytes, could contribute to the accelerated atherosclerosis of CRF patients.
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PMID:Carotid artery lesions in patients with nondiabetic chronic renal failure. 854 39

The success of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is limited by restenosis in 30-50% of cases. Cellular production of reactive oxygen species at the site of injury has been implicated as a contributing factor in the process of restenosis. beta-Carotene is a lipid-soluble antioxidant whose effects on this process have not been previously investigated. We attempted to elucidate whether beta-carotene treatment was capable of reducing restenosis. Femoral artery stenoses were produced by nitrogen-desiccation in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet. The animals were randomized to receive either a parenteral bolus of beta-carotene immediately prior to angioplasty, followed by 5 days of subcutaneous treatment (Acute Treatment); 5 days of subcutaneous pretreatment with beta-carotene followed by a parenteral bolus immediately prior to angioplasty and then another 5 days of subcutaneous treatment (Pretreatment); or vehicle only (Control). Angiography was performed immediately before and after angioplasty, and 28 days after angioplasty. The animals were then sacrificed, and the femoral arteries were harvested for histopathology. By quantitative angiography, the late loss of luminal diameter between angioplasty and final angiography was not significantly different between the acute treatment group, the pretreatment group and the control group. By histopathology, the area of intimal hyperplasia and the percent cross-sectional area stenosis were also not significantly different. The late loss in luminal diameter after angioplasty correlated significantly with the acute gain in luminal diameter produced by angioplasty. The amount of intimal hyperplasia correlated significantly with the arterial injury score assessed by histopathology. In summary, in this animal model of restenosis, parenteral beta-carotene failed to significantly reduce the amount of either intimal hyperplasia or late loss in luminal diameter after angioplasty.
Atherosclerosis 1996 Jun
PMID:The lack of effect of beta-carotene on restenosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. 878 47

Free radicals, such as superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide, and other "reactive species", such as hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid and peroxynitrite, are formed in vivo. Some of these molecules, e.g. superoxide and nitric oxide, can be physiologically useful, but they can also cause damage under certain circumstances. Excess production of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species (ROS, RNS), their production in inappropriate relative amounts (especially superoxide and NO) or deficiencies in antioxidant defences may result in pathological stress to cells and tissues. This oxidative stress can have multiple effects. It can induce defence systems, and render tissues more resistant to subsequent insult. If oxidative stress is excessive or if defence and repair responses are inadequate, cell injury can be caused by such mechanisms as oxidative damage to essential proteins, lipid peroxidation, DNA strand breakage and base modification, and rises in the concentration of intracellular "free" Ca(2+). Considerable evidence supports the view that oxidative damage involving both ROS and RNS is an important contributor to the development of atherosclerosis. Peroxynitrite (derived by reaction of superoxide with nitric oxide) and transition metal ions (perhaps released by injury to the vessel wall) may contribute to lipid peroxidation in atherosclerotic lesions.
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PMID:Blood radicals: reactive nitrogen species, reactive oxygen species, transition metal ions, and the vascular system. 886 Apr 19

Nitric oxide contrasts with most intercellular messengers because it diffuses rapidly and isotropically through most tissues with little reaction but cannot be transported through the vasculature due to rapid destruction by oxyhemoglobin. The rapid diffusion of nitric oxide between cells allows it to locally integrate the responses of blood vessels to turbulence, modulate synaptic plasticity in neurons, and control the oscillatory behavior of neuronal networks. Nitric oxide is not necessarily short lived and is intrinsically no more reactive than oxygen. The reactivity of nitric oxide per se has been greatly overestimated in vitro because no drain is provided to remove nitric oxide. Nitric oxide persists in solution for several minutes in micromolar concentrations before it reacts with oxygen to form much stronger oxidants like nitrogen dioxide. Nitric oxide is removed within seconds in vivo by diffusion over 100 microns through tissues to enter red blood cells and react with oxyhemoglobin. The direct toxicity of nitric oxide is modest but is greatly enhanced by reacting with superoxide to form peroxynitrite (ONOO-). Nitric oxide is the only biological molecule produced in high enough concentrations to out-compete superoxide dismutase for superoxide. Peroxynitrite reacts relatively slowly with most biological molecules, making peroxynitrite a selective oxidant. Peroxynitrite modifies tyrosine in proteins to create nitrotyrosines, leaving a footprint detectable in vivo. Nitration of structural proteins, including neurofilaments and actin, can disrupt filament assembly with major pathological consequences. Antibodies to nitrotyrosine have revealed nitration in human atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, septic and distressed lung, inflammatory bowel disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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PMID:Nitric oxide, superoxide, and peroxynitrite: the good, the bad, and ugly. 894 24

A 69-year-old diabetic woman with diffuse atherosclerosis presented with acute renal failure due to contrast nephropathy and severe metformin-induced lactic acidosis. There was a discrepancy between the patient's elevated serum creatinine level, indicative of severe renal insufficiency, and her very low blood urea nitrogen content. It is postulated that the patient's extremely severe acidosis interfered with her hepatic urea generation, contributing to this unusual biochemical abnormality.
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PMID:Metformin-induced lactic acidosis associated with acute renal failure. 895 64

The preventative effects of bifemelane (4-(o-benzylphenoxy)-N-methylbutylamine hydrochloride) on atherosclerosis in aged rats fed low-calcium diets were investigated. Male 18-month-old Wistar rats were maintained for 90 days on the following: (A) standard diet (n = 7), (B) low calcium, low magnesium, high aluminium diet (n = 8), (C) standard diet plus oral intubation with 10 mg bifemelane/kg daily (n = 6), (D) low calcium and magnesium, high aluminium diet plus oral intubation with 10 mg bifemelane/kg daily (n = 6). All groups were give these diets and water ad lib for 90 days, after which blood samples were taken from the abdominal aorta and samples of aorta were examined for atherosclerotic changes. The serum concentrations of the following were determined: calcium, magnesium, zinc, aluminium, inorganic phosphorus, cholesterol, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholinesterase, creatine phosphokinase, blood urea nitrogen and N-terminal parathyroid hormone. The only significant differences between the groups in serum chemistry were reduced concentrations of cholinesterase and magnesium in groups B and D, increased aluminium in group B, and increased N-terminal parathyroid hormone in groups B and D. In groups C and D the atherosclerosis was much improved compared with that in groups A and B. It appears that bifemelane largely prevents atherosclerosis caused by calcium deposition in the arteries of rats fed low-calcium diets, due to its effect in maintaining magnesium and calcium in bones.
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PMID:Effects of bifemelane hydrochloride on atherosclerosis in aged rats fed low-calcium diets. 895 29

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) may be of central importance in triggering atherosclerosis. One potential pathway involves the production of nitric oxide (NO) by vascular wall endothelial cells and macrophages. NO reacts with superoxide to form peroxynitrite (ONOO-), a potent agent of LDL oxidation in vitro. ONOO- nitrates the aromatic ring of free tyrosine to produce 3-nitrotyrosine, a stable product. To explore the role of reactive nitrogen species such as ONOO- in the pathogenesis of vascular disease, we developed a highly sensitive and specific method involving gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to quantify 3-nitrotyrosine levels in proteins. In vitro studies demonstrated that 3-nitrotyrosine was a highly specific marker for LDL oxidized by ONOO-. LDL isolated from the plasma of healthy subjects had very low levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (9 +/- 7 micromol/mol of tyrosine). In striking contrast, LDL isolated from aortic atherosclerotic intima had 90-fold higher levels (840 +/- 140 micromol/mol of tyrosine). These observations strongly support the hypothesis that reactive nitrogen species such as ONOO- form in the human artery wall and provide direct evidence for a specific reaction pathway that promotes LDL oxidation in vivo. The detection of 3-nitrotyrosine in LDL isolated from vascular lesions raises the possibility that NO, by virtue of its ability to form reactive nitrogen intermediates, may promote atherogenesis, counteracting the well-established anti-atherogenic effects of NO.
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PMID:Reactive nitrogen intermediates promote low density lipoprotein oxidation in human atherosclerotic intima. 899 8

Since the discovery of enzymic fermentation by Louis Paster, the idea had been widely spread in biochemistry that all molecular interconversions and interactions in living systems are provided by the enzymes. However, recent advances in sensitivity and accuracy of analytical methods lead to isolation and identification of a variety of products that cannot be mapped to a specific biochemical pathway. These products appear in the organism because the chemical characteristics of biomolecules are not limited to the needs of living systems realized through enzyme-catalyzed processes. This review for the first time attempts to summarize such nonenzymic interactions: (i) products of biogenic amine adduct formation to carbonyl-containing compounds in Pictet-Spengler reaction (endogenous neurotoxins which alter mitochondrial functions thus evidently participating in development of age-related cerebral aberrations, i.e., parkinsonism); (ii) products of Schiff base formation with subsequent Amadori rearrangement (nonenzymic glycation of proteins involved in age-related diabetic disorders and atherosclerosis); (iii) products of Michael addition of methylglyoxal, 4-hydroxynonenal, and other products of nonenzymic conversions of carbohydrates and lipids; (iv) products of biomolecule modification with nitrogen- and oxygen-derived free radicals which contribute to cancer and aging. Some applications of these problems in evolutionary and medical biology are reviewed.
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PMID:[The other side of metabolism]. 900 62

Most patients with diabetes die from macrovascular complications. Little is known about the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease, but recent advances in molecular genetics and oxidation chemistry provide clues to the mystery of diabetes and atherosclerosis. Genetic variants of well-known proteins such as lipoprotein lipase and apolipoprotein E are common. These proteins are suitable candidates for mediating diabetic vascular risk because their variants can produce hypertriglyceridemia, a risk factor for atherosclerosis in diabetes. However, mutations could have different effects on lipoprotein flux across arteries depending on whether expression is dominant in the vascular space or the vascular wall. Lipoproteins retained in the arterial wall are subject to oxidative modification, which could be dependent on glycoxidation, the enzyme myeloperoxidase, or reactive nitrogen species derived from nitric oxide. Accelerated vascular disease in diabetes is likely the result of complex interactions between metabolic derangements such as hyperglycemia, mutations in genes controlling lipid metabolism, and antioxidant defense mechanisms.
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PMID:The mystery of diabetes and atherosclerosis: time for a new plot. 903 85


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