Single-Cell Analyses Offer Insights into the Different Remodeling Programs of Arteries and Veins.

Arteries and veins develop different types of occlusive diseases and respond differently to injury. The biological reasons for this discrepancy are not well understood, which is a limiting factor for the development of vein-targeted therapies. This study contrasts human peripheral arteries and veins at the single-cell level, with a focus on cell populations with remodeling potential. Upper arm arteries (brachial) and veins (basilic/cephalic) from 30 organ donors were compared using a combination of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, flow cytometry, and histology. The cellular atlases of six arteries and veins demonstrated a 7.8× higher proportion of contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in arteries and a trend toward more modulated SMCs. In contrast, veins showed a higher abundance of endothelial cells, pericytes, and macrophages, as well as an increasing trend in fibroblasts. Activated fibroblasts had similar proportions in both types of vessels but with significant differences in gene expression. Modulated SMCs and activated fibroblasts were characterized by the upregulation of MYH10, FN1, COL8A1, and ITGA10. Activated fibroblasts also expressed F2R, POSTN, and COMP and were confirmed by F2R/CD90 flow cytometry. Activated fibroblasts from veins were the top producers of collagens among all fibroblast populations from both types of vessels. Venous fibroblasts were also highly angiogenic, proinflammatory, and hyper-responders to reactive oxygen species. Differences in wall structure further explain the significant contribution of fibroblast populations to remodeling in veins. Fibroblasts are almost exclusively located outside the external elastic lamina in arteries, while widely distributed throughout the venous wall. In line with the above, ECM-targeted proteomics confirmed a higher abundance of fibrillar collagens in veins vs. more basement ECM components in arteries. The distinct cellular compositions and transcriptional programs of reparative populations in arteries and veins may explain differences in acute and chronic wall remodeling between vessels. This information may be relevant for the development of antistenotic therapies.

The intricate cellular ecosystem of human peripheral veins as revealed by single-cell transcriptomic analysis.

The venous system has been historically understudied despite its critical roles in blood distribution, heart function, and systemic immunity. This study dissects the microanatomy of upper arm veins at the single cell level, and how it relates to wall structure, remodeling processes, and inflammatory responses to injury. We applied single-cell RNA sequencing to 4 non-diseased human veins (3 basilic, 1 cephalic) obtained from organ donors, followed by bioinformatic and histological analyses. Unsupervised clustering of 20,006 cells revealed a complex ecosystem of endothelial cell (EC) types, smooth muscle cell (SMCs) and pericytes, various types of fibroblasts, and immune cell populations. The venous endothelium showed significant upregulation of cell adhesion genes, with arteriovenous zonation EC phenotypes highlighting the heterogeneity of vasa vasorum (VV) microvessels. Venous SMCs had atypical contractile phenotypes and showed widespread localization in the intima and media. MYH11+DESlo SMCs were transcriptionally associated with negative regulation of contraction and pro-inflammatory gene expression. MYH11+DEShi SMCs showed significant upregulation of extracellular matrix genes and pro-migratory mediators. Venous fibroblasts ranging from secretory to myofibroblastic phenotypes were 4X more abundant than SMCs and widely distributed throughout the wall. Fibroblast-derived angiopoietin-like factors were identified as versatile signaling hubs to regulate angiogenesis and SMC proliferation. An abundant monocyte/macrophage population was detected and confirmed by histology, including pro-inflammatory and homeostatic phenotypes, with cell counts positively correlated with age. Ligand-receptor interactome networks identified the venous endothelium in the main lumen and the VV as a niche for monocyte recruitment and infiltration. This study underscores the transcriptional uniqueness of venous cells and their relevance for vascular inflammation and remodeling processes. Findings from this study may be relevant for molecular investigations of upper arm veins used for vascular access creation, where single-cell analyses of cell composition and phenotypes are currently lacking.

The Transcriptomics of the Human Vein Transformation After Arteriovenous Fistula Anastomosis Uncovers Layer-Specific Remodeling and Hallmarks of Maturation Failure.

Introduction: The molecular transformation of the human preaccess vein after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation is poorly understood. This limits our ability to design efficacious therapies to improve maturation outcomes. Methods: Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) followed by paired bioinformatic analyses and validation assays were performed in 76 longitudinal vascular biopsies (veins and AVFs) from 38 patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease undergoing surgeries for 2-stage AVF creation (19 matured, 19 failed). Results: A total of 3637 transcripts were differentially expressed between veins and AVFs independent of maturation outcomes, with 80% upregulated in fistulas. The postoperative transcriptome demonstrated transcriptional activation of basement membrane and interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including preexisting and novel collagens, proteoglycans, hemostasis factors, and angiogenesis regulators. A postoperative intramural cytokine storm involved >80 chemokines, interleukins, and growth factors. Postoperative changes in ECM expression were differentially distributed in the AVF wall, with proteoglycans and fibrillar collagens predominantly found in the intima and media, respectively. Interestingly, upregulated matrisome genes were enough to make a crude separation of AVFs that failed from those with successful maturation. We identified 102 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in association with AVF maturation failure, including upregulation of network collagen VIII in medial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and downregulation of endothelial-predominant transcripts and ECM regulators. Conclusion: This work delineates the molecular changes that characterize venous remodeling after AVF creation and those relevant to maturation failure. We provide an essential framework to streamline translational models and our search for antistenotic therapies.

A Genetic Model of Constitutively Active Integrin CD11b/CD18.

Pharmacological activation of integrin CD11b/CD18 (αMß2, Mac-1, and CR3) shows anti-inflammatory benefits in a variety of animal models of human disease, and it is a novel therapeutic strategy. Reasoning that genetic models can provide an orthogonal and direct system for the mechanistic study of CD11b agonism, we present in this study, to our knowledge, a novel knock-in model of constitutive active CD11b in mice. We genetically targeted the Itgam gene (which codes for CD11b) to introduce a point mutation that results in the I332G substitution in the protein. The I332G mutation in CD11b promotes an active, higher-affinity conformation of the ligand-binding I/A-domain (CD11b αA-domain). In vitro, this mutation increased adhesion of knock-in neutrophils to fibrinogen and decreased neutrophil chemotaxis to a formyl-Met-Leu-Phe gradient. In vivo, CD11bI332G animals showed a reduction in recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages in a model of sterile peritonitis. This genetic activation of CD11b also protected against development of atherosclerosis in the setting of hyperlipidemia via reduction of macrophage recruitment into atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, our animal model of constitutive genetic activation of CD11b can be a useful tool for the study of integrin activation and its potential contribution to modulating leukocyte recruitment and alleviating different inflammatory diseases.

Caracterización clínico epidemiológica del acné conglobata en las provincias de Holguín y Granma / Clinical Epidemiological Description of Conglobate Acne in Holguin and Granma Provinces

Introducción: el acné es una de las afecciones dermatológicas más frecuentes en la práctica médica, de ellas, el acné conglobata se caracteriza por ser poco común. La génesis del acné conglobata es compleja y depende de la interacción de varios factores, entre ellos, los genéticos. Objetivo: caracterizar de forma clínica, epidemiológica e histopatológica el acné conglobata en familiares de la región Holguín -Granma. Método: se realizó un estudio de serie de casos en el período comprendido de enero 2000 a diciembre 2014. Se describió el contexto medioambiental donde se desarrollaron los enfermos. Los enfermos fueron examinados para confeccionar el árbol genealógico, se le realizó seguimiento clínico de las lesiones y biopsia para estudio histopatológico. Resultados: la enfermedad afectó a mujeres y hombres en edad antes de 21 años. Las primeras lesiones generalmente fueron noduloquísticas. Los quistes, los nódulos, los macrocomedones, los conglomerados fistulizados, las bridas cicatriciales tuvieron poca capacidad de resolución con el tratamiento convencional y alcanzaron grandes tamaños a medida que avanzó el tiempo de evolución. Las lesiones se distribuyeron con predilección en la espalda, las axilas y los glúteos. Los cambios histopatológicos fueron la hiperqueratosis con tapones córneos, las alteraciones foliculares y la presencia de los quistes de inclusión epidérmica con trayectos fistulosos. La herencia se comportó autonómico dominante. Las zonas con mayor número de casos fueron las dispuestas en las márgenes del río Cauto y en lugares aledaños. Conclusiones: se definieron los elementos diagnósticos de la enfermedad, tanto clínico y epidemiológicos, como histopatológicos.

Introduction: acne is one of the most frequent dermatology affections in medical practices, and conglobate acne is characterized as uncommon. The genesis of this illness is complicated and depends on the interaction of many factors, for example the genetic factors. Objective: to describe histopatological, epidemiological and clinically the conglobate acne incidence in some families from Holguín - Granma regions. Method: a case series study was carried out for the period from January 2000 to December 2014. The environmental context where the patients were developed was described. The patients were examined to make the family tree, clinical follow-up of lesions and biopsy for histopathological study. Results: the disease affected women and men before the age of 21. The nodule cystic lesions were the first ones. Nodules, macrocomedones, fistulized conglomerates, scar flanges had little resolution capacity with conventional treatment and reached large sizes as the evolution time advanced. The lesions were distributed with a preference in the back, underarms and glutes. Histopathological changes were hyperkeratosis with corneal plugs, follicular alterations and the presence of epidermal inclusion cysts with fistulous pathways. The inheritance behaved autonomously dominant. The areas with the highest number of cases were those located on the banks of the Cauto River and in surrounding areas. Conclusions: the diagnostic elements of the disease, both clinical and epidemiological, as well as histopathological, were defined.

Caracterización clínico epidemiológica del acné conglobata en las provincias de Holguín y Granma / Clinical Epidemiological Description of Conglobate Acne in Holguin and Granma Provinces

Introducción: el acné es una de las afecciones dermatológicas más frecuentes en la práctica médica, de ellas, el acné conglobata se caracteriza por ser poco común. La génesis del acné conglobata es compleja y depende de la interacción de varios factores, entre ellos, los genéticos.Objetivo: caracterizar de forma clínica, epidemiológica e histopatológica el acné conglobata en familiares de la región Holguín –Granma.Método: se realizó un estudio de serie de casos en el período comprendido de enero 2000 a diciembre 2014. Se describió el contexto medioambiental donde se desarrollaron los enfermos. Los enfermos fueron examinados para confeccionar el árbol genealógico, se le realizó seguimiento clínico de las lesiones y biopsia para estudio histopatológico.Resultados: la enfermedad afectó a mujeres y hombres en edad antes de 21 años. Las primeras lesiones generalmente fueron noduloquísticas. Los quistes, los nódulos, los macrocomedones, los conglomerados fistulizados, las bridas cicatriciales tuvieron poca capacidad de resolución con el tratamiento convencional y alcanzaron grandes tamaños a medida que avanzó el tiempo de evolución. Las lesiones se distribuyeron con predilección en la espalda, las axilas y los glúteos. Los cambios histopatológicos fueron la hiperqueratosis con tapones córneos, las alteraciones foliculares y la presencia de los quistes de inclusión epidérmica con trayectos fistulosos. La herencia se comportó autonómico dominante. Las zonas con mayor número de casos fueron las dispuestas en las márgenes del río Cauto y en lugares aledaños.Conclusiones: se definieron los elementos diagnósticos de la enfermedad, tanto clínico y epidemiológicos, como histopatológicos.(AU)

Introduction: acne is one of the most frequent dermatology affections in medical practices, and conglobate acne is characterized as uncommon. The genesis of this illness is complicated and depends on the interaction of many factors, for example the genetic factors.Objective: to describe histopatological, epidemiological and clinically the conglobate acne incidence in some families from Holguín Granma regions.Method: a case series study was carried out for the period from January 2000 to December 2014. The environmental context where the patients were developed was described. The patients were examined to make the family tree, clinical follow-up of lesions and biopsy for histopathological study.Results: the disease affected women and men before the age of 21. The nodule cystic lesions were the first ones. Nodules, macrocomedones, fistulized conglomerates, scar flanges had little resolution capacity with conventional treatment and reached large sizes as the evolution time advanced. The lesions were distributed with a preference in the back, underarms and glutes. Histopathological changes were hyperkeratosis with corneal plugs, follicular alterations and the presence of epidermal inclusion cysts with fistulous pathways. The inheritance behaved autonomously dominant. The areas with the highest number of cases were those located on the banks of the Cauto River and in surrounding areas.Conclusions: the diagnostic elements of the disease, both clinical and epidemiological, as well as histopathological, were defined.(AU)

Active trafficking of alpha 1 antitrypsin across the lung endothelium.

The homeostatic lung protective effects of alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) may require the transport of circulating proteinase inhibitor across an intact lung endothelial barrier. We hypothesized that uninjured pulmonary endothelial cells transport A1AT to lung epithelial cells. Purified human A1AT was rapidly taken up by confluent primary rat pulmonary endothelial cell monolayers, was secreted extracellularly, both apically and basolaterally, and was taken up by adjacent rat lung epithelial cells co-cultured on polarized transwells. Similarly, polarized primary human lung epithelial cells took up basolaterally-, but not apically-supplied A1AT, followed by apical secretion. Evidence of A1AT transcytosis across lung microcirculation was confirmed in vivo by two-photon intravital microscopy in mice. Time-lapse confocal microscopy indicated that A1AT co-localized with Golgi in the endothelium whilst inhibition of the classical secretory pathway with tunicamycin significantly increased intracellular retention of A1AT. However, inhibition of Golgi secretion promoted non-classical A1AT secretion, associated with microparticle release. Polymerized A1AT or A1AT supplied to endothelial cells exposed to soluble cigarette smoke extract had decreased transcytosis. These results suggest previously unappreciated pathways of A1AT bidirectional uptake and secretion from lung endothelial cells towards the alveolar epithelium and airspaces. A1AT trafficking may determine its functional bioavailablity in the lung, which could be impaired in individuals exposed to smoking or in those with A1AT deficiency.

Unexpanded and intermediate CAG polymorphisms at the SCA2 locus (ATXN2) in the Cuban population: evidence about the origin of expanded SCA2 alleles.

The role of short, large or intermediate normal alleles (ANs) of the ataxin-2 gene in generating expanded alleles (EAs) causing spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is poorly understood. It has been postulated that SCA2 prevalence is related to the frequency of large ANs. SCA2 shows the highest worldwide prevalence in Cuban population, which is therefore a unique source for studying the relationship between the frequency of large and intermediate alleles and the frequency of SCA2 mutation. Through genetic polymorphism analyses in a comprehensive sample (~3000 chromosomes), we show that the frequency of large ANs in the ataxin-2 gene is the highest worldwide, although short ANs are also frequent. This highly polymorphic population displayed also high variability in the CAG sequence, featured by loss of the anchor CAA interruption(s). In addition, large ANs showed germinal and somatic instability. Our study also includes related genotypic, genealogical and haplotypic data and provides substantial evidence with regard to the role of large and intermediate alleles in the generation of pathological EAs.

Molecular epidemiology of spinocerebellar ataxias in Cuba: Insights into SCA2founder effect in Holguin

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hereditaryataxias in Cuba, with a specialfocus on the clinical and molecular features of SCA2. Clinical assessmentswere performed by neurologicalexaminations and application of the SARA scale. Molecular analyses ofgenes SCA1–3, SCA6, SCA17and DRPLA identified 753 patients with SCA and 7173 asymptomaticrelatives, belonging to 200 unrelatedfamilies. 86.79 percent of all SCA patients were affected with SCA2. In the Holguin province, the averagepopulation prevalence of SCA2 is 40.18×105 inhabitants, with theremarkable figure of 141.66×105 inthe Baguanos municipality. The high prevalence of the SCA2 mutation inHolguin reflects most likelya founder effect. The stabilization of the prevalence along time suggeststhe existence of premutatedchromosomes with pure CAG, acting as reservoir for further expansions. CAGrepeat length correlatedinversely with age at onset, accounting for 80 percent of the variability. Genetic anticipation was observed in the 80 percent of transmissions. Repeat instability was greater in paternaltransmissions whereas CAG expansionswithout anticipation was observed in 10.97 percent suggesting the effect of CAA interruptions in the CAGsegment, which decrease the toxicity of the abnormal ataxin-2, and/orother protective factors...(AU)

Molecular epidemiology of spinocerebellar ataxias in Cuba: insights into SCA2 founder effect in Holguin.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hereditary ataxias in Cuba, with a special focus on the clinical and molecular features of SCA2. Clinical assessments were performed by neurological examinations and application of the SARA scale. Molecular analyses of genes SCA1-3, SCA6, SCA17 and DRPLA identified 753 patients with SCA and 7173 asymptomatic relatives, belonging to 200 unrelated families. 86.79% of all SCA patients were affected with SCA2. In the Holguin province, the average population prevalence of SCA2 is 40.18x10(5) inhabitants, with the remarkable figure of 141.66x10(5) in the Baguanos municipality. The high prevalence of the SCA2 mutation in Holguin reflects most likely a founder effect. The stabilization of the prevalence along time suggests the existence of premutated chromosomes with pure CAG, acting as reservoir for further expansions. CAG repeat length correlated inversely with age at onset, accounting for 80% of the variability. Genetic anticipation was observed in the 80% of transmissions. Repeat instability was greater in paternal transmissions whereas CAG expansions without anticipation was observed in 10.97% suggesting the effect of CAA interruptions in the CAG segment, which decrease the toxicity of the abnormal ataxin-2, and/or other protective factors.

Saccade velocity is controlled by polyglutamine size in spinocerebellar ataxia 2.

We assessed maximal saccade velocity (MSV) in 82 spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patients and 80 controls, correlating it to disease duration, polyglutamine expansion size, age at onset, ataxia score, age, and sex. Little overlap with normal values was found even at earliest stages. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that 60-degree MSV was strongly influenced by polyglutamine size and less by disease duration, whereas the reverse was found for ataxia score. Saccade velocity thus is a sensitive, quite specific, and objective endophenotype, useful to search polyglutamine modifier genes.

Saccade Velocity isControlled by PolyglutamineSize in SpinocerebellarAtaxia 2

We assessed maximal saccade velocity (MSV) in 82 spinocerebellarataxia type 2 (SCA2) patients and 80 controls,correlating it to disease duration, polyglutamine expansionsize, age at onset, ataxia score, age, and sex. Littleoverlap with normal values was found even at earlieststages. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that 60-degree MSV was strongly influenced by polyglutaminesize and less by disease duration, whereas the reverse wasfound for ataxia score. Saccade velocity thus is a sensitive,quite specific, and objective endophenotype, useful tosearch polyglutamine modifier genes...(AU)