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)

Migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is a crucial event in the formation of vascular stenotic lesions. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is elaborated by VSMC in atherosclerosis and following angioplasty. We investigated the role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in human VSMC migration induced by TNF-alpha. Adenoviral expression of a mutant form of the inhibitor of NF-kappaB, IkappaB-alphaM, suppressed TNF-alpha-triggered degradation of cellular IkappaB-alpha, inhibited activation of NF-kappaB, and attenuated TNF-alpha-induced migration. Further, IkappaB-alphaM suppressed TNF-alpha-stimulated release of interleukin-6 and -8 (IL-6 and IL-8). Neutralization of IL-6 and IL-8 with appropriate antibodies reduced TNF-alpha-induced VSMC migration. Addition of recombinant IL-6 and IL-8 stimulated migration. Collectively, our data provide initial evidence that TNF-alpha-mediated VSMC migration requires NF-kappaB activation and is associated with induction of IL-6 and IL-8 which act in an autocrine manner.
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PMID:NF-kappaB is required for TNF-alpha-directed smooth muscle cell migration. 1172 52

Porphyromonas gingivalis is an oral pathogen that has recently been associated with chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. The strength of the epidemiological associations of P. gingivalis with atherosclerosis can be increased by the demonstration that P. gingivalis can initiate and sustain growth in human vascular cells. We previously established that P. gingivalis can invade aortic, heart, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), that fimbriae are required for invasion of endothelial cells, and that fimbrillin peptides can induce the expression of the chemokines interleukin 8 and monocyte chemotactic protein. In this study, we examined the expression of surface-associated cell adhesion molecules on endothelial cells in response to P. gingivalis infection by fluorescence-activated cell sorting FACS analysis and confocal microscopy. Coculture of HUVEC with P. gingivalis strain 381 or A7436 resulted in the induction in the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and P- and E-selectins, which was maximal at 48 h postinfection. In contrast, we did not observe induction of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, or P- or E-selectin expression in HUVEC cultured with the noninvasive P. gingivalis fimA mutant DPG3 or when P. gingivalis was incubated with fimbrillin peptide-specific anti-sera prior to the addition to HUVEC. Furthermore, the addition of a peptide corresponding to the N-terminal domain of fimbrillin to HUVEC resulted in an increase in ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and P- and E-selectins, which was maximal at 48 h and similar to that observed for live P. gingivalis. Treatment of P. gingivalis-infected HUVEC with cytochalsin D, which prevented P. gingivalis invasion, also resulted in the inhibition of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, or P- and E-selectin expression. Taken together, these results indicate that active P. gingivalis invasion of HUVEC mediated via the major fimbriae stimulates surface-associated cell adhesion molecule expression. Stimulation of adhesion molecules involved in the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of inflammation by P. gingivalis may play a role in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory diseases associated with this microorganism, including atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Fimbria-dependent activation of cell adhesion molecule expression in Porphyromonas gingivalis-infected endothelial cells. 1174 91

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is one of cytokines detected at sites of inflammation and in macrophage-foam cells of atherosclerotic lesions. The expression of IL-8 gene can be induced in cholesterol loaded THP-1 macrophages by oxidized low density lipoprotein. We report for the first time that the expression of human IL-8 gene in THP-1 macrophages is upregulated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner by prostaglandin D2 metabolite 15-deoxy-delta12, 14 prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), which is a natural ligand for activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma transcription factor. Studies to identify the signal transduction pathways involved showed that IL-8 upregulation-mediated by 15d-PGJ2 was markedly inhibited when the THP-1 macrophages were incubated with a highly selective and cell-permeable inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, 2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone (PD98059). This inhibition was concentration-dependent, suggesting that 15d-PGJ2 regulates the expression of IL-8 gene in THP-1 macrophages through a MAPK signaling pathway. In contrast, THP-1 macrophages when treated with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an anti-oxidant and the selective inhibitor for nuclear factor kappaB, showed an enhanced 15d-PGJ2-mediated upregulation of IL-8 gene expression. The data presented in this report may contribute to unravel some of the mechanisms behind the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis 2002 Jan
PMID:Upregulation of interleukin-8 expression by prostaglandin D2 metabolite 15-deoxy-delta12, 14 prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) in human THP-1 macrophages. 1175 18

Comparative analysis of cytokines and sCAM secretion within the lymphocyte chromatin state are possible evidence of inflammatory reactions in atherosclerosis. Two types of response were studied: coagulation and fibrinolysis (incubation of blood clot within 6 hours at 37 degrees C) and standardized viscosimetric flow using a rotational viscometer (shear rate 100 l/s, 60 seconds at 37 degrees C, and incubation within 6 hours at 37 degrees C). Cytokines IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 (Immunotech, France), endothelin-1, and soluble cell adhesion molecules (sCAM) sP- and sE-selectin, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 (R&D, UK) have been determined using ELISA kits (photometer, Biomek-1000, Beckman, USA). The chromatin of lymphocyte nuclei was studied using the computer TV morphodensitometry system DiaMorph (Russia) and smears dyed specifically for DNA. Correlational changes in morphodensitometric (MDM) parameters and cytokine and sCAM levels in two tests were compared to initial levels. After rheologic testing, lymphocyte nuclei as a whole had not changed, but chromatin activity had decreased. Reorganization of nuclei after the coagulation test was observed. Endothelin-1 and sP- and sE-selectin levels were not related to function of lymphocytes (by MDM data) as seen in both tests; it is probable that another cell-cell communication mechanism had been switched on. We established a strong correlation between chromatin activity of lymphocytes and the serum concentration of IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10, which are the active participants in the pro- and anti-inflammatory program in atherogenesis. Results are evidence of the role of lymphocytes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine reactions and cytokine-like sCAM activity in atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Chromatin image analysis provides new evidence of the relation of lymphocytes to cytokines and sCAM in the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis. 1179 95

Persistent infections with Chlamydia pneumoniae have been implicated in the development of chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis and asthma. Although azithromycin, clarithromycin, and levofloxacin are frequently used for the treatment of respiratory C. pneumoniae infections, little is known about the dose and duration of therapy needed to treat a putative chronic C. pneumoniae infection. In this study, we investigated the effect of prolonged treatment with azithromycin, clarithromycin, or levofloxacin on the viability of C. pneumoniae and cytokine production in an in vitro model of continuous infection. We found that a 30-day treatment with azithromycin, clarithromycin, and levofloxacin at concentrations comparable to those achieved in the pulmonary epithelial lining fluid reduced but did not eliminate C. pneumoniae in continuously infected HEp-2 cells. All three antibiotics decreased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 in HEp-2 cells, but this effect appeared to be secondary to the antichlamydial activity, as the cytokine levels correlated with the concentrations of microorganisms. The levels of IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and gamma interferon were too low to assess the effect of antibiotics. These data suggest that the dosage and duration of antibiotic therapy currently being used may not be sufficient to eradicate a putative chronic C. pneumoniae infection.
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PMID:Effect of prolonged treatment with azithromycin, clarithromycin, or levofloxacin on Chlamydia pneumoniae in a continuous-infection Model. 1179 50

Chemokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) -1 and interleukin (IL)-8 are known to be involved in various processes in atherosclerosis such as plaque formation, plaque rupture, and thrombus formation. We investigated whether a new chemokine, Leukotactin (LKN)-1, is involved in atherosclerosis. We tested the expression of LKN-1 by immunohistochemical methods in carotid atherosclerotic plaque specimen. Induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, transmigration, and tissue factor (TF) expression were tested in THP-1 cells and human peripheral blood monocytes treated with recombinant human LKN-1. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that expression of LKN-1 occurs in regions of plaques rich in foam cells. In a Boyden chamber assay, THP-1 cells treated with 0.01--10 nM of LKN-1 transmigrated through gelatin coated filters in a dose dependent manner. LKN-1 also induced the transient expression of TNF-alpha, IL-8, and MCP-1 within 15 min of the treatment of the THP-1 cells. When peripheral blood monocytes were treated with LKN-1, expression levels of TF and TF-mediated procoagulating activity were induced in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These results raise the possibility that LKN-1 is another chemokine that is involved in the atherogenesis. LKN-1 may chemoattract immune cells into the plaque, induce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and produce thrombi by inducing TF expression.
Atherosclerosis 2002 Apr
PMID:A novel chemokine, Leukotactin-1, induces chemotaxis, pro-atherogenic cytokines, and tissue factor expression in atherosclerosis. 1188 7

Adhesion of leukocytes to the vascular endothelium is an early event in inflammation. Since cell-cell signaling may be an important stimulus for endothelial activation, we focused in this study on the role of contact-mediated activation by T lymphocytes of endothelial cells (EC). T lymphocytes were cultured with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody or in the presence of a combination of TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-2, prior to fixation and coculture with human umbilical vein EC. Fixed, activated (anti-CD3- or cytokine-stimulated), but not unstimulated T cells, induced release of monocyte chemotactic protein-1, IL-8, and IL-6 by EC in a contact-dependent manner. Moreover, expression of tissue-factor antigen and activity was also significantly increased. Addition of anti-CD40 ligand antibody abolished T cell-induced activation of EC. Our data suggest that contact-mediated activation of EC by T cells, involving ligand:counter ligand interactions such as CD40:CD40 ligand, may represent a novel pathogenic mechanism of progression in inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.
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PMID:T cell-mediated signaling to vascular endothelium: induction of cytokines, chemokines, and tissue factor. 1192 53

To investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the regional selectivity of early atherogenesis, we have applied a non-uniform shear stress to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). We used a microcarrier culture system and a combination of subtraction and reverse-subtraction methods to isolate a number of genes upregulated by shear stress. The resultant subtracted library includes several known genes (e.g. MCP-1, TM) whose responsiveness to shear stress has been previously reported, indicating that the library is enriched for genes upregulated by shear stress. Also included are atherosclerosis-related genes (e.g. CTGF, IL-8) whose responsiveness to shear stress had not been demonstrated, other known genes whose relationship to atherosclerosis had not been reported, and novel genes. Some responsive to centrifugal force and shear stress (RECS) genes are also upregulated following stimulation by steady laminar shear stress in a parallel plate chamber. Interestingly, the library includes ET-1 and PAI, which are well known atherogenic factors that are downregulated by laminar shear stress. This implies that turbulent shear stress has effects on HUVEC that are different from those elicited by laminar shear stress. Importantly, analysis of specimens taken from human aorta showed that several RECS genes are transcriptionally upregulated in atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting that the subtracted library includes novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis 2002 Jun
PMID:Large scale isolation of non-uniform shear stress-responsive genes from cultured human endothelial cells through the preparation of a subtracted cDNA library. 1199 52

Understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis has changed markedly over the past few decades. It is now widely accepted that inflammation plays a fundamental role in the genesis and development of atherosclerosis. Inflammatory mechanisms also appear to determine clinical presentation and disease outcome. Atherosclerotic lesions have high concentrations of inflammatory cells (T lymphocytes and activated macrophages) as well as an abundance of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, etc.] that modulate local inflammatory responses. These may also alter plaque stability and facilitate the development of acute cardiovascular events. The role of anti-inflammatory cytokines in this context remains to be studied. IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine synthesised by T-lymphocytes and macrophages and has other anti-inflammatory effects. IL-10 expression within human atherosclerotic plaques has been demonstrated and animal experiments have shown that low levels of IL-10 lead to the development of extensive and unstable atherosclerotic lesions. Currently available evidence suggests a potential protective role for IL-10 in atherosclerosis. This new perspective on coronary disease as a chronic inflammatory process may open new avenues for the management of ischemic heart disease.
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PMID:[Interleukin-10 and coronary disease]. 1211 2

Inflammation, and especially mononuclear cell adhesion to endothelium, is an important physiopathological component of atherosclerosis. Since coronary heart disease in women of reproductive age and/or with estrogen replacement therapy is reduced, our aim was to determine if 17beta-estradiol had a regulatory effect on the adhesion of lymphocytes to the endothelium. We performed U-937 cells adhesion assays in TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs, and we also quantitated IL-8 and MCP-1 in culture supernatants, in the presence or not of 17beta-estradiol. The presence of alpha- and beta-estrogen receptors was determined by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively, whereas the transcription of both chemokines was evaluated by RT-PCR. The results showed a 35% decrease in the adhesion of U-937 monocyte cells to TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs, and a 54% and 65% inhibition of TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion by physiological and physiologically high doses of 17beta-estradiol. The hormone did not affect the transcription of both chemokine genes. Tamoxifen reverted the inhibitory effect induced by 17beta-estradiol. In conclusion, 17beta-estradiol modifies the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells by inhibiting the secretion, but not the gene transcription, of proinflammatory chemokines.
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PMID:17Beta-estradiol inhibits the adhesion of leukocytes in TNF-alpha stimulated human endothelial cells by blocking IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion, but not its transcription. 1220 76


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