Symptomatic post COVID patients have impaired alveolar capillary membrane function and high VE/VCO2.

BACKGROUND: Post COVID-19 syndrome is characterized by several cardiorespiratory symptoms but the origin of patients' reported symptomatology is still unclear. METHODS: Consecutive post COVID-19 patients were included. Patients underwent full clinical evaluation, symptoms dedicated questionnaires, blood tests, echocardiography, thoracic computer tomography (CT), spirometry including alveolar capillary membrane diffusion (DM) and capillary volume (Vcap) assessment by combined carbon dioxide and nitric oxide lung diffusion (DLCO/DLNO) and cardiopulmonary exercise test. We measured surfactant derive protein B (immature form) as blood marker of alveolar cell function. RESULTS: We evaluated 204 consecutive post COVID-19 patients (56.5 ± 14.5 years, 89 females) 171 ± 85 days after the end of acute COVID-19 infection. We measured: forced expiratory volume (FEV1) 99 ± 17%pred, FVC 99 ± 17%pred, DLCO 82 ± 19%, DM 47.6 ± 14.8 mL/min/mmHg, Vcap 59 ± 17 mL, residual parenchymal damage at CT 7.2 ± 3.2% of lung tissue, peakVO2 84 ± 18%pred, VE/VCO2 slope 112 [102-123]%pred. Major reported symptoms were: dyspnea 45% of cases, tiredness 60% and fatigability 77%. Low FEV1, Vcap and high VE/VCO2 slope were associated with persistence of dyspnea. Tiredness was associated with high VE/VCO2 slope and low PeakVO2 and FEV1 while fatigability with high VE/VCO2 slope. SPB was fivefold higher in post COVID-19 than in normal subjects, but not associated to any of the referred symptoms. SPB was negatively associated to Vcap. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with post COVID-19, cardiorespiratory symptoms are linked to VE/VCO2 slope. In these patients the alveolar cells are dysregulated as shown by the very high SPB. The Vcap is low likely due to post COVID-19 pulmonary endothelial/vasculature damage but DLCO is only minimally impaired being DM preserved.

Immature Surfactant Protein B Increases in the Serum of Patients with Calcific Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Valvular disease is a complex pathological condition that impacts countless individuals around the globe. Due to limited treatments, it is crucial to understand its mechanisms to identify new targets. Valve disease may result in pulmonary venous hypertension, which is linked to compromised functioning of the alveolar and capillary membranes and hindered gas exchange. Nonetheless, the correlation between surfactant proteins (SPs) and valve disease remains unexplored. A total of 44 patients were enrolled in this study, with 36 undergoing aortic valve replacement and 8 needing a second aortic valve substitution due to bioprosthetic valve degeneration. Ten healthy subjects were also included. The results showed that patients who underwent both the first valve replacement and the second surgery had significantly higher levels of immature SP-B (proSP-B) compared to control subjects. The levels of the extra-lung collectin SP-D were higher in patients who needed a second surgery due to bioprosthetic valve degeneration, while SP-A levels remained unchanged. The research also showed that there was no reciprocal relationship between inflammation and SP-D as the levels of inflammatory mediators did not differ between groups. The present study demonstrates that circulating proSP-B serves as a reliable marker of alveolar-capillary membrane damage in patients with valvular heart disease.

Macrophage Phenotyping in Atherosclerosis by Proteomics.

Macrophages are heterogeneous and plastic cells, able to adapt their phenotype and functions to changes in the microenvironment. They are involved in several homeostatic processes and also in many human diseases, including atherosclerosis, where they participate in all the stages of the disease. For these reasons, macrophages have been studied extensively using different approaches, including proteomics. Proteomics, indeed, may be a powerful tool to better understand the behavior of these cells, and a careful analysis of the proteome of different macrophage phenotypes can help to better characterize the role of these phenotypes in atherosclerosis and provide a broad view of proteins that might potentially affect the course of the disease. In this review, we discuss the different proteomic techniques that have been used to delineate the proteomic profile of macrophage phenotypes and summarize some results that can help to elucidate the roles of macrophages and develop new strategies to counteract the progression of atherosclerosis and/or promote regression.

Normal human mitral valve proteome: A preliminary investigation by gel-based and gel-free proteomic approaches.

The mitral valve is a highly complex structure which regulates blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle (LV) avoiding a significant forward gradient during diastole or regurgitation during systole. The integrity of the mitral valve is also essential for the maintenance of normal LV size, geometry, and function. Significant advances in the comprehension of the biological, functional, and mechanical behavior of the mitral valve have recently been made. However, current knowledge of protein components in the normal human mitral valve is still limited and complicated by the low cellularity of this tissue and the presence of high abundant proteins from the extracellular matrix. We employed here an integrated proteomic approach to analyse the protein composition of the normal human mitral valve and reported confident identification of 422 proteins, some of which have not been previously described in this tissue. In particular, we described the ability of pre-MS separation technique based on liquid-phase IEF and SDS-PAGE to identify the largest number of proteins. We also demonstrated that some of these proteins, e.g. αB-Crystallin, septin-11, four-and-a-half LIM domains protein 1, and dermatopontin, are synthesised by interstitial cells isolated from human mitral valves. These initial results provide a valuable basis for future studies aimed at analysing in depth the mitral valve protein composition and at investigating potential pathogenetic molecular mechanisms. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD004397.

Prenylcysteine Oxidase 1 Is a Key Regulator of Adipogenesis.

The process of adipogenesis involves the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. Excessive adipogenesis promotes obesity, a condition that increasingly threatens global health and contributes to the rapid rise of obesity-related diseases. We have recently shown that prenylcysteine oxidase 1 (PCYOX1) is a regulator of atherosclerosis-disease mechanisms, which acts through mechanisms not exclusively related to its pro-oxidant activity. To address the role of PCYOX1 in the adipogenic process, we extended our previous observations confirming that Pcyox1-/-/Apoe-/- mice fed a high-fat diet for 8 or 12 weeks showed significantly lower body weight, when compared to Pcyox1+/+/Apoe-/- mice, due to an evident reduction in visceral adipose content. We herein assessed the role of PCYOX1 in adipogenesis. Here, we found that PCYOX1 is expressed in adipose tissue, and, independently from its pro-oxidant enzymatic activity, is critical for adipogenesis. Pcyox1 gene silencing completely prevented the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, by acting as an upstream regulator of several key players, such as FABP4, PPARγ, C/EBPα. Proteomic analysis, performed by quantitative label-free mass spectrometry, further strengthened the role of PCYOX1 in adipogenesis by expanding the list of its downstream targets. Finally, the absence of Pcyox1 reduces the inflammatory markers in adipose tissue. These findings render PCYOX1 a novel adipogenic factor with possible pathophysiological or therapeutic potential.

Proteome profiling identifies circulating biomarkers associated with hepatic steatosis in subjects with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Introduction: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by loss of expression of paternal chromosome 15q11.2-q13 genes. Individuals with PWS exhibit unique physical, endocrine, and metabolic traits associated with severe obesity. Identifying liver steatosis in PWS is challenging, despite its lower prevalence compared to non-syndromic obesity. Reliable biomarkers are crucial for the early detection and management of this condition associated with the complex metabolic profile and cardiovascular risks in PWS. Methods: Circulating proteome profiling was conducted in 29 individuals with PWS (15 with steatosis, 14 without) using the Olink Target 96 metabolism and cardiometabolic panels. Correlation analysis was performed to identify the association between protein biomarkes and clinical variables, while the gene enrichment analysis was conducted to identify pathways linked to deregulated proteins. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed the discriminatory power of circulating protein while a logistic regression model evaluated the potential of a combination of protein biomarkers. Results: CDH2, CTSO, QDPR, CANT1, ALDH1A1, TYMP, ADGRE, KYAT1, MCFD, SEMA3F, THOP1, TXND5, SSC4D, FBP1, and CES1 exhibited a significant differential expression in liver steatosis, with a progressive increase from grade 1 to grade 3. FBP1, CES1, and QDPR showed predominant liver expression. The logistic regression model, -34.19 + 0.85 * QDPR*QDPR + 0.75 * CANT1*TYMP - 0.46 * THOP1*ALDH1A, achieved an AUC of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.63-0.99), with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 80% for detecting steatosis in individuals with PWS. These biomarkers showed strong correlations among themselves and were involved in an interconnected network of 62 nodes, related to seven metabolic pathways. They were also significantly associated with cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, transaminases, HbA1c, FLI, APRI, and HOMA, and showed a negative correlation with HDL levels. Conclusion: The biomarkers identified in this study offer the potential for improved patient stratification and personalized therapeutic protocols.

Albumin Thiolation and Oxidative Stress Status in Patients with Aortic Valve Stenosis.

Recent evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species play an important causative role in the onset and progression of valvular diseases. Here, we analyzed the oxidative modifications of albumin (HSA) occurring on Cysteine 34 and the antioxidant capacity of the serum in 44 patients with severe aortic stenosis (36 patients underwent aortic valve replacement and 8 underwent a second aortic valve substitution due to a degenerated bioprosthetic valve), and in 10 healthy donors (controls). Before surgical intervention, patients showed an increase in the oxidized form of albumin (HSA-Cys), a decrease in the native reduced form (HSA-SH), and a significant reduction in serum free sulfhydryl groups and in the total serum antioxidant activity. Patients undergoing a second valve replacement showed levels of HSA-Cys, free sulfhydryl groups, and total antioxidant activity similar to those of controls. In vitro incubation of whole blood with aspirin (ASA) significantly increased the free sulfhydryl groups, suggesting that the in vivo treatment with ASA may contribute to reducing oxidative stress. We also found that N-acetylcysteine and its amide derivative were able to regenerate HSA-SH. In conclusion, the systemic oxidative stress reflected by high levels of HSA-Cys is increased in patients with aortic valve stenosis. Thiol-disulfide breaking agents regenerate HSA-SH, thus paving the way to the use these compounds to mitigate the oxidative stress occurring in the disease.

Impact of Sacubitril/Valsartan on Circulating microRNA in Patients with Heart Failure.

Sacubitril/Valsartan, used for the treatment of heart failure (HF), is a combination of two drugs, an angiotensin receptor inhibitor, and a neprilysin inhibitor, which activates vasoactive peptides. Even though its beneficial effects on cardiac functions have been demonstrated, the mechanisms underpinning these effects remain poorly understood. To achieve more mechanistic insights, we analyzed the profiles of circulating miRNAs in plasma from patients with stable HF with reduced ejection function (HFrEF) and treated with Sacubitril/Valsartan for six months. miRNAs are short (22-24 nt) non-coding RNAs, which are not only emerging as sensitive and stable biomarkers for various diseases but also participate in the regulation of several biological processes. We found that in patients with high levels of miRNAs, specifically miR-29b-3p, miR-221-3p, and miR-503-5p, Sacubitril/Valsartan significantly reduced their levels at follow-up. We also found a significant negative correlation of miR-29b-3p, miR-221-3p, and miR-503-5p with VO2 at peak exercise, whose levels decrease with HF severity. Furthermore, from a functional point of view, miR-29b-3p, miR-221-3p, and miR-503-5p all target Phosphoinositide-3-Kinase Regulatory Subunit 1, which encodes regulatory subunit 1 of phosphoinositide-3-kinase. Our findings support that an additional mechanism through which Sacubitril/Valsartan exerts its functions is the modulation of miRNAs with potentially relevant roles in HFrEF pathophysiology.

Impact of Sacubitril/Valsartan on surfactant binding proteins, central sleep apneas, lung function tests and heart failure biomarkers: Hemodynamic or pleiotropism?

Purpose: Little is known about the mechanism underlying Sacubitril/Valsartan effects in patients with heart failure (HFrEF). Aim of the study is to assess hemodynamic vs. non-hemodynamic Sacubitril/Valsartan effects by analyzing several biological and functional parameters. Methods: Seventy-nine patients (86% males, age 66 ± 10 years) were enrolled. At baseline and 6 months after reaching the maximum Sacubitril/Valsartan tolerated dose, we assessed biomarkers, transthoracic echocardiography, polysomnography, spirometry, and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lung (DLCO). Results: Mean follow-up was 8.7 ± 1.4 months with 83% of patients reaching Sacubitril/Valsartan maximum dose (97/103 mg b.i.d). Significant improvements were observed in cardiac performance and biomarkers: left ventricular ejection fraction increased (31 ± 5 vs. 37 ± 9 %; p < 0.001), end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes decreased; NT-proBNP decreased (1,196 [IQR 648-2891] vs. 958 [IQR 424-1,663] pg/ml; p < 0.001) in parallel with interleukin ST-2 (28.4 [IQR 19.4-36.6] vs. 20.4 [IQR 15.1-29.2] ng/ml; p < 0.001) and circulating surfactant binding proteins (proSP-B: 58.43 [IQR 40.42-84.23] vs. 50.36 [IQR 37.16-69.54] AU; p = 0.014 and SP-D: 102.17 [IQR 62.85-175.34] vs. 77.64 [IQR 53.55-144.70] AU; p < 0.001). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity improved. DLCO increased in the patients' subgroup (n = 39) with impaired baseline values (from 65.3 ± 10.8 to 70.3 ± 15.9 %predicted; p = 0.013). We also observed a significant reduction in central sleep apneas (CSA). Conclusion: Sacubitril/Valsartan effects share a double pathway: hemodynamic and systemic. The first is evidenced by NT-proBNP, proSP-B, lung mechanics, and CSA improvement. The latter is confirmed by an amelioration of DLCO, ST-2, SP-D as well as by reverse remodeling echocardiographic parameters.

Identification of DKK-1 as a novel mediator of statin effects in human endothelial cells.

This study shows that DKK-1, a member of the Dickkopf family and a regulator of the Wnt pathways, represents a novel target of statins which, through the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and of non-steroidal isoprenoid intermediates, exert extra-beneficial effect in preventing atherosclerosis beyond their effect on the lipid profile. We found that atorvastatin downregulates DKK-1 protein (-88.3 ± 4.1%) and mRNA expression (-90 ± 4.2%) through the inhibition of Cdc42, Rho and Rac geranylgeranylated proteins. Further, a combined approach based on the integration of label-free quantitative mass spectrometry based-proteomics and gene silencing allowed us to demonstrate that DKK-1 itself mediates, at least in part, statin effects on human endothelial cells. Indeed, DKK-1 is responsible for the regulation of the 21% of the statin-modulated proteins, which include, among others, clusterin/apoJ, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS), and pentraxin 3 (PTX3). The Gene Ontology enrichment annotation revealed that DKK-1 is also a potential mediator of the extracellular matrix organization, platelet activation and response to wounding processes induced by statin. Finally, we found that plasma level of DKK-1 from cholesterol-fed rabbits treated with atorvastatin (2.5 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks) was lower (-42 ± 23%) than that of control animals. Thus, DKK-1 is not only a target of statin but it directly regulates the expression of molecules involved in a plethora of biological functions, thus expanding its role, which has been so far restricted mainly to cancer.

Surfactant proteins changes after acute hemodynamic improvement in patients with advanced chronic heart failure treated with Levosimendan.

Alveolar-capillary membrane evaluated by carbon monoxide diffusion (DLCO) plays an important role in heart failure (HF). Surfactant Proteins (SPs) have also been suggested as a worthwhile marker. In HF, Levosimendan improves pulmonary hemodynamics and reduces lung fluids but associated SPs and DLCO changes are unknown. Sixty-five advanced HF patients underwent spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and SPs determination before and after Levosimendan. Levosimendan caused natriuretic peptide-B (BNP) reduction, peakVO2 increase and VE/VCO2 slope reduction. Spirometry improved but DLCO did not. SP-A, SP-D and immature SP-B reduced (73.7 ±â€¯25.3 vs. 66.3 ±â€¯22.7 ng/mL*, 247 ±â€¯121 vs. 223 ±â€¯110 ng/mL*, 39.4 ±â€¯18.7 vs. 34.4 ±â€¯17.9AU*, respectively); while mature SP-B increased (424 ±â€¯218 vs. 461 ±â€¯243 ng/mL, * = p < 0.001). Spirometry, BNP and CPET changes suggest hemodynamic improvement and lung fluid reduction. SP-A, SP-D and immature SP-B reduction indicates a reduction of inflammatory stress; conversely mature SP-B increase suggests alveolar cell function restoration. In conclusion, acute lung fluid reduction is associated with SPs but not DLCO changes. SPs are fast responders to alveolar-capillary membrane condition changes.

Optimized Protocol for the Extraction of Proteins from the Human Mitral Valve.

Analysis of the cellular proteome can help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases due to the development of technologies that permit the large-scale identification and quantification of the proteins present in complex biological systems.The knowledge gained from a proteomic approach can potentially lead to a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying diseases, allowing for the identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic disease markers, and, hopefully, of therapeutic targets. However, the cardiac mitral valve represents a very challenging sample for proteomic analysis because of the low cellularity in proteoglycan and collagen-enriched extracellular matrix. This makes it challenging to extract proteins for a global proteomic analysis. This work describes a protocol that is compatible with subsequent protein analysis, such as quantitative proteomics and immunoblotting. This can allow for the correlation of data concerning protein expression with data on quantitative mRNA expression and non-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis. Indeed, these approaches, when performed together, will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, from mRNA to post-translational protein modification. Thus, this method can be relevant to researchers interested in the study of cardiac valve physiopathology.

Diving and pulmonary physiology: Surfactant binding protein, lung fluid and cardiopulmonary test changes in professional divers.

Alteration of breathing pattern ranging from an increase of respiratory rate to overt hyperventilation during and after SCUBA diving is frequently reported and is associated with intrathoracic fluid overload. This study was undertaken to assess breathing efficiency after diving and the association with damage of alveolar cells. Ventilation efficiency (VE/VCO2) during maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) before and 2h after a standard protocol dive has been analyzed in twelve professional males divers (39.5±10.5years). Furthermore, within 30min from surfacing, subjects underwent blood sample for surfactant derived proteins (SPs) determination, while thoracic ultrasound was performed at 30, 60, 90 and 120min. Dive consisted in a single quick descend to 18m of sea water, a 47min bottom stay and a direct ascent to the surface. CPET showed a preserved exercise performance with an increase of VE/VCO2 after diving (21.4±2.9 vs. 22.9±3.3, p<0.05). Mature SP-B increased while other SPs were unchanged. Ultrasound lung comets (ULC) were high in the first post-dive evaluation with a significant, but not complete, progressive reduction at 120min after surfacing. In conclusion we showed that, after a single dive, lung fluid increased with an increase of ventilation inefficiency and of the mature form of SP-B.

Atorvastatin reduces long pentraxin 3 expression in vascular cells by inhibiting protein geranylgeranylation.

BACKGROUND: The long pentraxin PTX3 is an acute-phase multi-functional protein that might play both positive and detrimental effects under different pathophysiological conditions. We previously showed that statins down-regulate the release of PTX3 in human endothelial cells (ECs). The present study investigated the mechanism mediating this effect, its occurrence in other cells involved in atherogenesis, and whether it takes place in experimental atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We found that atorvastatin (1-5 µmol/L) decreased the production and release of PTX3 in human ECs through a post-transcriptional effect. Co-incubation with mevalonate or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate prevented this effect. Direct blockade of geranylgeranyl transferase I by GGTI-286, treatment with the Rac inhibitor NSC23766 or silencing of the geranylgeranylated GTPase Rac2 by siRNA closely mimicked the action of atorvastatin. In contrast, inactivation of other geranylgeranylated proteins such as RhoA, RhoB, and RhoC or Rac1 did not affect PTX3 release. In addition, we found that atorvastatin also decreased PTX3 secretion in aortic SMCs through a mechanism likely dependent on protein geranylgeranylation, while no effect was observed in monocytes. Finally, we found that atherosclerotic lesions from cholesterol-fed rabbits treated with atorvastatin (2.5 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks) showed less immunoreactive PTX3 than lesions from control animals. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that statins may interfere with PTX3 expression in vascular cells via inhibition of protein geranylgeranylation. Since PTX3 is increasingly regarded as an important mediator of the inflammatory response underlying atherosclerosis and its complications, these results highlight the need for further studies of the role of PTX3 and its potential pharmacological modulation in cardiovascular disease.

Corrigendum to "Data for proteomic analysis of murine cardiomyocytic HL-1 cells treated with siRNA against tissue factor" [Data Brief 3 (2015) 117-119].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2015.02.005.].

Plasma immature form of surfactant protein type B correlates with prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure. A pilot single-center prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Gas exchange abnormalities are part of the heart failure (HF) syndrome and growing interest raised on possible biomarkers of alveolar-capillary unit damage. The present pilot single-center study sought to investigate the prognostic values of circulating surfactant protein type B (SP-B) in a cohort of systolic HF patients. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-one HF stable outpatients and 37 healthy subjects underwent a full clinical assessment, including pulmonary function and lung diffusion for carbon monoxide (DLco), maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test and measurements for both circulating immature and mature forms of SP-B. Study end-points were hospitalization due to HF worsening and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: Immature SP-B, but not the mature form, was significantly higher in HF patients than in controls and was independently related to DLco, peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory efficiency. During the follow-up (median: 995 days; interquartile range: 739-1247 days), 97 patients experimented at least one HF hospitalization and 9 died for cardiovascular causes. At univariate analysis immature SP-B levels were significantly related to both cardiovascular death (p=0.033) and HF hospitalization (p<0.001). At multivariate analysis, immature SP-B levels remained independently associated to HF hospitalization (hazard ratio: 2.304; 95% confidence interval 1.858-3.019; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Present data confirm a strong relationship between circulating immature SP-B levels, gas exchange abnormalities and exercise limitations in stable HF as well as they are consistent with the use of immature SP-B in HF clinical risk assessment. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm its prognostic role as well as to evaluate whether immature SP-B plasma concentration varies in response to specific treatment.

Data for proteomic analysis of murine cardiomyocytic HL-1 cells treated with siRNA against tissue factor.

This data article is related to the research article entitled Proteomics of Tissue Factor silencing in cardiomyocytic cells reveals a new role for this coagulation factor in splicing machinery control by Lento et al. [1]. Tissue Factor (TF) is a key player in the coagulation cascade, but it has additional functions ranging from angiogenesis, tumour invasion and, in the heart, the maintenance of the integrity of cardiac cells. This article reports the nano-LC-MS(E) analysis of the cardiomyocytic HL-1 cell line proteome and describes the results obtained from a Gene Ontology analysis of those proteins affected by TF-gene silencing.

Proteomics of tissue factor silencing in cardiomyocytic cells reveals a new role for this coagulation factor in splicing machinery control.

It has long been known that Tissue Factor (TF) plays a role in blood coagulation and has a direct thrombotic action that is closely related to cardiovascular risk, but it is becoming increasingly clear that it has a much wider range of biological functions that range from inflammation to immunity. It is also involved in maintaining heart haemostasis and structure, and the observation that it is down-regulated in the myocardium of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy suggests that it influences cell-to-cell contact stability and contractility, and thus contributes to cardiac dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these coagulation-independent functions have not yet been fully elucidated. In order to analyse the influence of TF on the cardiomyocitic proteome, we used functional biochemical approaches incorporating label-free quantitative proteomics and gene silencing, and found that this provided a powerful means of identifying a new role for TF in regulating splicing machinery together with the expression of several proteins of the spliceosome, and mRNA metabolism with a considerable impact on cell viability. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, using quantitative proteomics and functional biochemical approaches, we define for the first time that, in addition to its primary role in blood coagulation, Tissue Factor also plays a novel role in regulating cell splicing machinery, with a relevant impact on cell survival. This new function may help to explain the wide range of biological activities of TF, and thus provide fruitful clues for developing new strategies for treating human diseases in which TF is dysregulated.

Surfactant-derived proteins as markers of alveolar membrane damage in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: In heart failure (HF) alveolar-capillary membrane is abnormal. Surfactant-derived proteins (SPs) and plasma receptor for advanced-glycation-end-products (RAGE) have been proposed as lung damage markers. METHODS: Eighty-nine chronic HF and 17 healthy subjects were evaluated by echocardiography, blood parameters, carbon monoxide lung diffusion (DLCO) and cardiopulmonary exercise test. We measured immature SP-B, mature SP-B, SP-A, SP-D and RAGE plasma levels. RESULTS: Immature SP-B (arbitrary units), mature SP-A (ng/ml) and SP-D (ng/ml), but not mature SP-B (ng/ml) and RAGE (pg/ml) levels, were higher in HF than in controls [immature SP-B: 15.6 (13.1, 75th-25th interquartile range) Vs. 11.1 (6.4), p<0.01; SP-A, 29.6 (20.1) Vs. 18.3 (13.5), p = 0.01; SP-D: 125 (90) Vs. 78 (58), p<0.01]. Immature SP-B, SP-A, SP-D and RAGE values were related to DLCO, peak oxygen consumption, ventilatory efficiency, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), whereas plasma mature SP-B was not. The DLCO Vs. immature SP-B correlation was the strongest one. At multivariate analysis, RAGE was associated to age and creatinine, SP-A to DLCO and BNP, SP-D to BNP, mature SP-B to DLCO and creatinine, and immature SP-B only but strongly to DLCO. CONCLUSIONS: Immature SP-B is the most reliable biological marker of alveolar-capillary membrane function in HF.

Opposite behavior of plasma levels surfactant protein type B and receptor for advanced glycation end products in pulmonary sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: No biological marker is currently available for evaluating pulmonary involvement and/or for monitoring the clinical course of sarcoidosis. The present pilot study focused on possible relationships between circulating plasma levels of surfactant protein type B (SP-B) and plasma receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and lung function abnormalities in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, since both SP-B and RAGE have been previously suggested as lung injury markers. The plasmatic levels of these two proteins were also investigated with respect to functional capacity, as assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). METHODS: Thirty pulmonary sarcoidosis outpatients and fifteen volunteers (Control Group) underwent lung function tests and CPET. Resting SP-B and RAGE plasma levels were also determined. Patients were then categorized according to the severity of their pulmonary involvement, as assessed in terms of lung diffusion for carbon monoxide (DLCO) values. RESULTS: Group B showed SP-B levels higher and RAGE levels lower than Group A and Control Group (p < 0.01). Group A showed lower RAGE levels than Control Group (p < 0.01), whereas SP-B levels did not differ between these two groups. A significant univariate relationship was found between both SP-B and RAGE and several lung function data, particularly with DLCO (SP-B Vs DLCO: r: -0.437, p = 0.016; RAGE Vs DLCO: r: -0.451, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating plasma levels of SP-B and RAGE showed an opposite behavior in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. SP-B values are directly related to alveolar unit damage, supporting a possible role of SP-B as a marker of disease severity in these patients. Differently, RAGE decreases in severe sarcoidosis, suggesting more complex underlying mechanisms.