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)

Activated T lymphocytes accumulate early in atheroma formation and persist at sites of lesion growth and rupture, suggesting that they may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Moreover, atherosclerotic lesions contain the Th1-type cytokine IFN-gamma, a potentiator of atherosclerosis. The present study demonstrates the differential expression of the 3 IFN-gamma-inducible CXC chemokines--IFN-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), monokine induced by IFN-gamma (Mig), and IFN-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (I-TAC)--by atheroma-associated cells, as well as the expression of their receptor, CXCR3, by all T lymphocytes within human atherosclerotic lesions in situ. Atheroma-associated endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and macrophages (MO) all expressed IP-10, whereas Mig and I-TAC were mainly expressed in ECs and MO, as detected by double immunofluorescence staining. ECs of microvessels within lesions also expressed abundant I-TAC. In vitro experiments supported these results and showed that IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and CD40 ligand potentiated IP-10 expression from IFN-gamma-stimulated ECs. In addition, nitric oxide (NO) treatment decreased IFN-gamma induction of IP-10. Our findings suggest that the differential expression of IP-10, Mig, and I-TAC by atheroma-associated cells plays a role in the recruitment and retention of activated T lymphocytes observed within vascular wall lesions during atherogenesis.
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PMID:Differential expression of three T lymphocyte-activating CXC chemokines by human atheroma-associated cells. 1052 42

This study was undertaken to demonstrate the unique specificity of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. Calcium flux assays with selected chemokine/cell combinations, affording distinct chemokine receptor specificities, revealed no interaction of AMD3100 with any of the chemokine receptors CXCR1 through CXCR3, or CCR1 through CCR9. In contrast, AMD3100 potently inhibited CXCR4-mediated calcium signaling and chemotaxis in a concentration-dependent manner in different cell types. Also, AMD3100 inhibited stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1-induced endocytosis of CXCR4, but did not affect phorbol ester-induced receptor internalization. Importantly, AMD3100 by itself was unable to elicit intracellular calcium fluxes, to induce chemotaxis, or to trigger CXCR4 internalization, indicating that the compound does not act as a CXCR4 agonist. Specific small-molecule CXCR4 antagonists such as AMD3100 may play an important role in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infections and many other pathological processes that are dependent on SDF-1/CXCR4 interactions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, asthma and breast cancer metastasis).
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PMID:Chemokine receptor inhibition by AMD3100 is strictly confined to CXCR4. 1222 Jun 70

T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages are the most abundant cells found in the atherosclerotic plaque. These cells can migrate towards the activated endothelium through the local release of chemotactic cytokines, or chemokines. Given the important role of leukocyte migration in atherosclerosis and the role of stress in mediating leukocyte trafficking, the present study examined the effects of an acute stressor on the redistribution of T cells (CD3+) and monocytes that express the chemokine receptors CCR5, CCR6, CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, and CXCR4. Forty-four undergraduate students underwent a public speaking task. The acute stressor induced sympathetic cardiac activation, parasympathetic cardiac withdrawal, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis (all p<.001). Although the total number of T lymphocytes did not change, there was a selective increase in the number of circulating T cells expressing CXCR2, CXCR3, and CCR5. The ligands of these receptors are chemokines known to be secreted by activated endothelial cells. Analyses of individual differences in stress-induced responses demonstrated a positive relationship between sympathetic cardiac reactivity and mobilization of the various T cell subsets (.35<r<.56;p<.05). For the monocytes, all sub-populations increased in parallel with total monocyte numbers, with no relation to changes in sympathetic cardiac drive. These results indicate that acute stress induces a mobilization of T cells that are primed to respond to inflamed endothelium. Acute stressors may thus promote the recruitment of circulating immune cells into the sub-endothelia, and therefore accelerate atherosclerotic plaque formation and potentially contribute to the complications that follow acute stressful events. This mechanism may help explain the link between stress, reactivity, and cardiovascular disease.
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PMID:Acute stress evokes selective mobilization of T cells that differ in chemokine receptor expression: a potential pathway linking immunologic reactivity to cardiovascular disease. 1283 27

The chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11) and associated CXCR3 receptor are expressed during the inflammatory process from multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis or organ transplantation resulting in the recruitment of lymphocytes leading to tissue damage. It is hypothesized that blocking of the ligand/CXCR3 receptor interaction has potential to provide opportunity for development of agents that would block tissue rejection. In this paper, four classes of natural product inhibitors (IC50 ranging 0.1-41 microM) have been described that block the CXCR3 receptor interaction of IP-10 ligand. These include a cyclic thiopeptide (duramycin), polyketide glycosides (roselipins), steroidal glycosides (hypoglausin A and dioscin) and a novel alkyl pyridinium alkaloid that were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation of the organic extracts derived from actinomycete, fungal, plant and marine sources and discovered using 125I IP-10/CXCR3 binding assay. Duramycin was the most potent with an IC50 of 0.1 microM. Roselipins 2A, 2B and 1A showed IC50 values of 14.6, 23.5, and 41 microM, respectively. Diosgenin glycosides dioscin, hypoglaucin A and kallstroemin D exhibited IC50 values of 2.1, 0.47 and 3 microM, respectively. A novel cyclic 3-alkyl pyridinium salt isolated from a sponge displayed a binding IC50 of 0.67 microM.
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PMID:Discovery of structurally diverse natural product antagonists of chemokine receptor CXCR3. 1578 59

The chemokine CXCL4/platelet factor-4 is released by activated platelets in micromolar concentrations and is a chemoattractant for leukocytes via an unidentified receptor. Recently, a variant of the human chemokine receptor CXCR3 (CXCR3-B) was described, which transduced apoptotic but not chemotactic signals in microvascular endothelial cells following exposure to high concentrations of CXCL4. Here, we show that CXCL4 can induce intracellular calcium release and the migration of activated human T lymphocytes. CXCL4-induced chemotaxis of T lymphocytes was inhibited by a CXCR3 antagonist and pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX), suggestive of CXCR3-mediated G-protein signaling via Galphai-sensitive subunits. Specific binding by T lymphocytes of the CXCR3 ligand CXCL10 was not effectively competed by CXCL4, suggesting that the two are allotopic ligands. We subsequently used expression systems to dissect the potential roles of each CXCR3 isoform in mediating CXCL4 function. Transient expression of the CXCR3-A and CXCR3-B isoforms in the murine pre-B cell L1.2 produced cells that migrated in response to CXCL4 in a manner sensitive to PTX and a CXCR3 antagonist. Binding of radiolabeled CXCL4 to L1.2 CXCR3 transfectants was of low affinity and appeared to be mediated chiefly by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), as no specific CXCL4 binding was observed in GAG-deficient 745-Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing CXCR3. We suggest that following platelet activation, the CXCR3/CXCL4 axis may play a role in T lymphocyte recruitment and the subsequent amplification of inflammation observed in diseases such as atherosclerosis. In such a setting, antagonism of the CXCR3/CXCL4 axis may represent a useful, therapeutic intervention.
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PMID:CXCL4-induced migration of activated T lymphocytes is mediated by the chemokine receptor CXCR3. 1817 62

This is a study to define the profile of chemokine receptors expressed on isolated infiltrating lymphocytes in human abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), and to examine their role in lymphoid recruitment. AAA T-lymphocytes were CXCR4-positive, CCR7-negative and partially CXCR3 and CCR5-positive. Functionally, AAA T-cells were proinflammatory effector cells, as they produced IFN-gamma and granzyme A. AAA B-lymphocytes were CXCR4-positive and exhibited low CXCR5 expression. A relevant feature of infiltrating T- and B-lymphocytes was the high intensity of CXCR4 expression and the capability to migrate to CXCL12. CXCL12-producing cells were found in the adventitia of AAA. These cells were CD45-negative and partially VCAM-1 and DR-positive. In summary, the present results suggest that CXCR4, expressed on infiltrating lymphocytes, and CXCL12, expressed on stromal cells, is involved in the recruitment of lymphocytes within the arterial wall in AAA.
Atherosclerosis 2008 Oct
PMID:Chemokine receptor expression on infiltrating lymphocytes from abdominal aortic aneurysms: role of CXCR4-CXCL12 in lymphoid recruitment. 1828 Oct 50

The fundamental importance of chemokines for atherogenesis, progression, and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques is now widely appreciated, but the degree of complexity, specificity, and cooperativity harnessed by these signal molecules to govern atherogenic cell recruitment and homeostasis is still being refined. Since the role of chemokines in atherosclerotic vascular disease has been reviewed in this journal, significant progress has been accomplished in defining the regulation of chemokine expression and function in atherosclerosis. In this update, we will highlight these recent developments, in particular the identification of components regulating the transcriptional machinery of the proatherogenic chemokine CCL5, distinct roles of its receptors CCR1 and CCR5 in plaque formation and immunobalance, and differential site- and stage-specific effects of T cell-activating chemokines and their receptors, eg, CXCL10 and CXCR3. The contribution of the transmembrane chemokines CX(3)CL1 and CXCL16 with their respective receptors CX(3)CR1 and CXCR6 in the recruitment of T cell and monocyte subsets and shear-mediated plaque modulation will be discussed. Finally, the role of CXCR2 and CXCR4, their respective ligands CXCL1 and CXCL12, and the noncanonical dual agonist MIF in atheroprogression will be dissected. The considerable leap in insight over recent years leads us to anticipate further advances in comprehending the role of chemokines in atherosclerosis, allowing targeted interventions for its prevention and therapy.
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PMID:Chemokines in atherosclerosis: an update. 1856 99

Monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes have a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis through the production of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. We evaluated mRNA expression and protein production of CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, IFN-gamma and IL-10 in vitro as well as the expression of the CCR2 and CXCR3 receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and healthy controls in the presence or absence of oxidized LDL (oxLDL). Patients with CAD showed higher constitutive expression of CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10 and IFN-gamma mRNA and, after stimulation with oxLDL, higher expression of CCL2 and CXCL8 mRNA than the control group. We also detected higher levels of CCL2 and CXCL8 in supernatants of oxLDL-stimulated PBMCs from CAD patients than in corresponding supernatants from controls. Patients with CAD had a higher percentage of constitutive CCR2(+) and CXCR3(+) cells after stimulation with oxLDL. Among CAD patients, the main differences between the stable (SA) and unstable angina (UA) groups were lower IL-10 mRNA production in the latter group. Altogether, our data suggest that PBMCs from CAD patients are able to produce higher concentrations of chemokines and cytokines involved in the regulation of monocyte and lymphocyte migration and retention in atherosclerotic lesions.
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PMID:Differential expression of cytokines, chemokines and chemokine receptors in patients with coronary artery disease. 1861 79

Atherosclerosis, restenosis, and posttransplant graft atherosclerosis are characterized by endothelial damage, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. The CXCR3-activating chemokines interferon-gamma inducible protein 10 (IP10) and MIG (monokine induced by interferon-gamma) have been implicated in vascular repair and remodeling. The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, remain elusive. Here, we show that wire-mediated arterial injury induced local and systemic expression of IP10 and MIG, resulting in enhanced recruitment of CXCR3(+) leukocytes and hematopoietic progenitor cells. This was accompanied by profound activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)1, increased reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, and intimal hyperplasia. Genetic and pharmacological inactivation of CXCR3 signaling not only suppressed recruitment of inflammatory cells but also abolished mTORC1 activation, reduced reactive oxygen species generation, and blocked apoptosis of vascular cells, resulting in significant reduction of intimal hyperplasia in vivo. In vitro, stimulation of T cells with IP10 directly activated mTORC1 and induced generation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in an mTORC1-dependent manner. These results strongly indicate that CXCR3-dependent activation of mTORC1 directly links stimulation of the Th1 immune system with the proliferative response of intimal cells in vascular remodeling.
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PMID:Novel role of the CXC chemokine receptor 3 in inflammatory response to arterial injury: involvement of mTORC1. 2161 31

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines which recruit leukocytes to inflammatory sites. They also affect tumor development and metastasis by acting as growth factor, by attracting pro- or anti-tumoral leukocytes or by influencing angiogenesis. Platelet factor-4 (CXCL4/PF-4) was the first chemokine shown to inhibit angiogenesis. CXCL4L1/PF-4var, recently isolated from thrombin-stimulated platelets, differing from authentic CXCL4/PF-4 in three carboxy-terminally located amino acids, was found to be more potent than CXCL4/PF-4 in inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor growth. Both glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and CXCR3 are implicated in the activities of the PF-4 variants. This report reviews the current knowledge on the role of CXCL4/PF-4 and CXCL4L1/PF-4var in physiological and pathological processes. In particular, the role of CXCL4/PF-4 in cancer, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and atherosclerosis is described.
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PMID:The role of the CXC chemokines platelet factor-4 (CXCL4/PF-4) and its variant (CXCL4L1/PF-4var) in inflammation, angiogenesis and cancer. 2111 66


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