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

To characterize novel signaling pathways that underlie NAD(P)H oxidase-mediated signaling in atherosclerosis, we first examined differences in thrombin-induced gene expression between wild-type and p47phox(-/-) (NAD[P]H oxidase-deficient) VSMC. Of the 9000 genes analyzed by cDNA microarray method at the G1/S transition point, 76 genes were similarly and significantly modulated in both the cell types, whereas another 22 genes that encompass various functional groups were regulated in NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent manner. Among these 22 genes, thrombin-induced NAD(P)H oxidase-mediated regulation of Klf15, Igbp1, Ak4, Adamts5, Ech1, Serp1, Sec61a2, Aox1, Aoh1, Fxyd5, Rai14, and Serpinh1 was shown for the first time in VSMC. The role of NAD(P)H oxidase in the regulation of a subset of these genes (CD44, BMP4, Id1, and Id3) was confirmed using modulators of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, a ROS scavenger and in gain-of-function experiments. We then characterized regulation of these genes in restenosis and atherosclerosis. In both apoE(-/-) mice and in a mouse vascular injury model, these genes are regulated in NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent manner during vascular lesion formation. Based on these findings, we propose that NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent gene expression in general, and the CD44 and BMP4-Id signaling pathway in particular, is important in restenosis and atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Thrombin and NAD(P)H oxidase-mediated regulation of CD44 and BMP4-Id pathway in VSMC, restenosis, and atherosclerosis. 1660 Dec 25

The cell-adhesion molecule CD44 likely participates in atherosclerosis development. We have shown previously that pro-inflammatory cytokines affect CD44 expression. Therefore, this work examined the role of elevated CD44 levels in human macrophages. Macrophages from human atherosclerotic subjects (n=15) showed elevated levels of CD44 transcript and protein (1.5-fold) compared to matched controls (n=15) (P=0.050 and 0.044, respectively). To test whether genetic factors influence CD44 expression, two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CD44 gene were analyzed but these were not associated with coronary artery disease. We also examined the potential connection between plasma cytokine levels and CD44 expression. In atherosclerotic subjects, elevated CD44 expression correlates (P=0.012) with enhanced macrophage IL-6 secretion (3.13+/-2.5 pg/mL versus 0.32+/-0.16 pg/mL in controls, P=0.021). Additionally, CD44-deficient mice exhibit less circulating IL-6 than wild-type controls (9.8+/-0.7 pg/mL versus 14.3+/-0.7 pg/mL; P=0.032). Furthermore, IL-6 augments CD44 expression in primary human macrophages after 24 h (P=0.038) and 48 h (P=0.015). Taken together, our data show an IL-6-CD44 feedback loop in macrophages. Such a positive feedback loop may aggravate atherosclerosis development.
Atherosclerosis 2007 Feb
PMID:Augmented levels of CD44 in macrophages from atherosclerotic subjects: a possible IL-6-CD44 feedback loop? 1662 Aug 30

The correct formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature (angiogenesis) is essential for embryogenesis and the effective repair of damaged or wounded tissues. However, excessive and detrimental vascularization also occurs in neoplasia, promoting tumour growth and metastasis, as well as in proliferative diabetic retinopathy and atherosclerosis. Greater understanding of the mechanisms controlling the angiogenic process will allow optimization of wound healing, and provide mechanisms to inhibit vascularization in tumours and other diseases. Evidence supports a cascade of events in which the perturbation of one of the steps is sufficient to significantly inhibit neovascularization. The extracellular macromolecules, notably glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), are important mediators of angiogenesis. Hyaluronan (HA), a large, non-sulphated GAG, was first discovered in the vitreous of the eye [.], and is ubiquitously expressed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues. Native high molecular weight HA (n-HA) is anti-angiogenic, whereas HA degradation products (o-HA; 3-10 disaccharides) stimulate endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, migration and tube formation following activation of specific HA receptors in particular, CD44 and Receptor for HA-Mediated Motility (RHAMM, CD168). The involvement of HA in the regulation of angiogenesis makes it an attractive therapeutic target. We review the role of o-HA in modulation of angiogenesis during tissue injury, and vascular disease, focusing on receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways that have been evaluated.
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PMID:Hyaluronan-mediated angiogenesis in vascular disease: uncovering RHAMM and CD44 receptor signaling pathways. 1705 33

Osteopontin, also called cytokine Eta-1, is a multifunctional protein containing Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) cell-binding sequence. It interacts with alpha(v)beta1, alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 integrins and CD44 receptors. OPN is suggested to play a role during inflammation via the recruitment and retention of macrophages and T-cells to inflamed sites. OPN regulates the production of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in macrophages. In this review, we will discuss diverse roles of OPN related to cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, valvular stenosis, hypertrophy, myocardial infarction and heart failure.
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PMID:Osteopontin: a novel inflammatory mediator of cardiovascular disease. 1712 94

The preservation of vascular endothelial cell (EC) barrier integrity is critical to normal vessel homeostasis, with barrier dysfunction being a feature of inflammation, tumor angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, and acute lung injury. Therefore, agents that preserve or restore vascular integrity have important therapeutic implications. In this study, we explored the regulation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-mediated enhancement of EC barrier function via CD44 isoforms. We observed that HGF promoted c-Met association with CD44v10 and recruitment of c-Met into caveolin-enriched microdomains (CEM) containing CD44s (standard form). Treatment of EC with CD44v10-blocking antibodies inhibited HGF-mediated c-Met phosphorylation and c-Met recruitment to CEM. Silencing CD44 expression (small interfering RNA) attenuated HGF-induced recruitment of c-Met, Tiam1 (a Rac1 exchange factor), cortactin (an actin cytoskeletal regulator), and dynamin 2 (a vesicular regulator) to CEM as well as HGF-induced trans-EC electrical resistance. In addition, silencing Tiam1 or dynamin 2 reduced HGF-induced Rac1 activation, cortactin recruitment to CEM, and EC barrier regulation. We observed that both HGF- and high molecular weight hyaluronan (CD44 ligand)-mediated protection from lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary vascular hyperpermeability was significantly reduced in CD44 knock-out mice, thus validating these in vitro findings in an in vivo murine model of inflammatory lung injury. Taken together, these results suggest that CD44 is an important regulator of HGF/c-Met-mediated in vitro and in vivo barrier enhancement, a process with essential involvement of Tiam1, Rac1, dynamin 2, and cortactin.
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PMID:CD44 regulates hepatocyte growth factor-mediated vascular integrity. Role of c-Met, Tiam1/Rac1, dynamin 2, and cortactin. 1770 46

Since accumulation and interaction of immune cells including T cells and monocytes/macrophages are involved in the processes of atherosclerosis, atherosclerosis is currently understood as an inflammatory disorder. Entrapment of extracellular matrices components such as hyaluronan by monocytes and macrophages, as well as uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) by these cells, plays a central role in foam cell formation and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We investigated the role of CD44, the principal receptor for hyaluronic acid, and ox-LDL in scavenger receptor expression on resting monocytes prepared by counterflow centrifugal elutriation from the endothelium. Our results showed that the low-molecular weight (6.9 kDa) form of hyaluronan increased the expression of CD36 scavenger receptor; the incorporation of (125) I-labeled ox-LDL, and the transendothelial migration of monocytes, which were mediated at least in part via tyrosine kinase and the PKC pathway. Our results imply that low molecular weight hyaluronan produced in large amounts in atherosclerotic lesions induces differentiation of circulating monocytes to macrophages/foam cells and enhances the progression of atherosclerosis via the PKC pathway. Furthermore, low molecular weight hyaluronan also amplifies the migration of monocytes into inflamed atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, we propose that engagement of CD44 with low molecular weight hyaluronan is centrally involved in the inflammatory pathogenesis of athelosclerotic plaques through migration of monocytes and foamed macrophage differentiation.
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PMID:Low molecular weight hyaluronan increases the Uptaking of oxidized LDL into monocytes. 1778 20

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) modulates cell proliferation and migration, and it is involved in several human vascular pathologies including atherosclerosis and vascular restenosis. During intima layer thickening, HA increases dramatically in the neointima extracellular matrix. Aging is one of the major risk factors for the insurgence of vascular diseases, in which smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a role by determining neointima formation through their migration and proliferation. Therefore, we established an in vitro aging model consisting of sequential passages of human aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs). Comparing young and aged cells, we found that, during the aging process in vitro,HA synthesis significantly increases, as do HA synthetic enzymes (i.e. HAS2 and HAS3), the precursor synthetic enzyme (UDP-glucose dehydrogenase), and the HA receptor CD44. In aged cells, we also observed increased CD44 signaling that consisted of higher levels of phosphorylated MAP kinase ERK1/2. Further, aged AoSMCs migrated faster than young cells, and such migration could be modulated by HA, which alters the ERK1/2 phosphorylation. HA oligosaccharides of 6.8 kDa and an anti-CD44 blocking antibody prevented ERK1/2 phosphorylation and inhibited AoSMCs migration. These results indicate that, during aging, HA can modulate cell migration involving CD44-mediated signaling through ERK1/2. These data suggest that age-related HA accumulation could promote SMC migration and intima thickening during vascular neointima formation.
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PMID:Hyaluronan-CD44-ERK1/2 regulate human aortic smooth muscle cell motility during aging. 1807 44

Vascular adventitia is thought to change functions and contribute to diseases such as atherosclerosis, vascular restenosis, and fibrosis. To determine whether the adventitia contains mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MPCs), we cultured human vascular adventitial fibroblasts (hVAFs) from pulmonary arteries and analyzed their characteristics. The doubling time of the hVAFs was 1.5days, and the average number of passage was 11, which was independent of age and sex. The hVAFs were positive for vimentin, collagen type-1, CD29, CD44, and CD105, but negative for hematopoietic and endothelial cell markers. When hVAFs were cultured in appropriate media, they showed osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation by von Kossa, alkaline phosphatase, and oil red O staining. Myogenic differentiation was identified by increased expression of smooth muscle actin and calponin. These findings demonstrate that human vascular adventitia contains MPCs, and that hVAFs may be an ideal source for further experiments on stem cell biology and tissue engineering.
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PMID:Human vascular adventitial fibroblasts contain mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. 1823 Mar 45

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a straight chain glycosaminoglycan polymer composed of repeating units of the disaccharide [-D-glucuronic acid-beta1,3-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-beta1,4-]n, and is found in vertebrates and certain microorganisms. The molecular weight of HA chains is usually equal to approximately 1-10 and MDa, n > 10(3-4), although it can exists as oligosaccharides under some physiological and pathological conditions. HA resides on the cell surface or in the extracellular space, but it also occurred inside the mammalian cells. HA is synthesized in mammals by three enzymes with polymers of varying chain length. The biological functions of HA include the maintenance of elastoviscosity of liquid connective tissues, control of tissue hydration, supramolecular assembly of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix and besides numerous receptor-mediated functions in cell attachment, mitosis, migration, tumor development, wound healing and inflammation. The extensive repertoire of biological functions of HA corresponds to the existence of a large repertoire of HA-binding proteins (hyaladherins). Many hyaladherins contain a common structural domain, termed a Link module, which is involved in ligand binding. The most important member of the Link module superfamily is the main HA receptor, CD44. CD44 has diverse functions including not only the organization and metabolism of extracellular matrix, but also engage the cytoskeleton and co-ordinate signaling events to enable the cell responce to changes in the environment. HA has an extraordinary high rate of turnover, and at the cellular level it is considered to be degraded progressively by a series of enzymatic reactions that generate polymers of decreasing sizes. HA biological effects are known to be determined by the polymer size and depend on the cell type. For example, the native high molecular weight HA is anti-angiogenic, while its degradation products (6-20 saccharides) stimulate endothelial cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. In contrast, these fragments inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas high molecular weight HA promotes cell growth and migration. The dysregulation of HA metabolism is a typical feature of diabetes complications, and increased glucose level is considered to be the main cause of this phenomenon. The HA depolymerization due to the effect of free radicals and advanced glycation end products leads to the vitreous body liquefaction, and may be the reason of the proliferative retinopathy in diabetes. The enrichment of extracellular matrix with high molecular weight HA under the action of high glucose level was demonstrated for vascular smooth muscle cells, skin fibroblasts, endothelial and mesangial cells. This effect is considered to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis stimulating the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and to promote the transformation of acute wounds into chronic ulcers deepening the pathological state of dermal fibroblasts in diabetes. And, on the contrary, the accumulation of high molecular weight HA on the surface of endothelial cells may have positive value for the glycocalyx integrity. Since high molecular weight HA is known to possess the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effect, the enrichment of mesangial matrix with it may represent an endogenous mechanism to limit renal injury in diabetes. Thus, the investigation of HA metabolism in diabetes mellitus emphasizes the dependence of HA biological effects on cell type and demonstrates the importance of this molecule for tissue homeostasis.
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PMID:[Hyaluronic acid, receptor CD44, and their role in diabetic complications]. 1924 16

Chronic inflammation in white adipose tissue (WAT) is positively associated with obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and the development of type 2 diabetes. The proinflammatory cytokine MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) is an essential, upstream component of the inflammatory cascade. This study examines whether MIF is required for the development of obesity, IR, glucose intolerance, and atherosclerosis in the LDL receptor-deficient (Ldlr(-/-)) mouse model of disease. Ldlr(-/-) mice develop IR and glucose intolerance within 15 weeks, whereas Mif(-/-)Ldlr(-/-) littermates are protected. MIF deficiency does not affect obesity and lipid risk factors but specifically reduces inflammation in WAT and liver, as reflected by lower plasma serum amyloid A and fibrinogen levels at baseline and under inflammatory conditions. Conversely, MIF stimulates the in vivo expression of human C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker and risk factor of IR and cardiovascular disease. In WAT, MIF deficiency reduces nuclear c-Jun levels and improves insulin sensitivity; MIF deficiency also reduces macrophage accumulation in WAT and blunts the expression of two proteins that regulate macrophage infiltration (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, CD44). Mechanistic parallels to WAT were observed in aorta, where the absence of MIF reduces monocyte adhesion, macrophage lesion content, and atherosclerotic lesion size. These data highlight the physiological importance of chronic inflammation in development of IR and atherosclerosis and suggest that MIF is a potential therapeutic target for reducing the inflammatory component of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.
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PMID:MIF deficiency reduces chronic inflammation in white adipose tissue and impairs the development of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and associated atherosclerotic disease. 1947


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