Potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19 complicated with pulmonary hypertension: a bioinformatics and early validation study.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are closely correlated. However, the mechanism is still poorly understood. In this article, we analyzed the molecular action network driving the emergence of this event. Two datasets (GSE113439 and GSE147507) from the GEO database were used for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).Common DEGs were selected by VennDiagram and their enrichment in biological pathways was analyzed. Candidate gene biomarkers were selected using three different machine-learning algorithms (SVM-RFE, LASSO, RF).The diagnostic efficacy of these foundational genes was validated using independent datasets. Eventually, we validated molecular docking and medication prediction. We found 62 common DEGs, including several ones that could be enriched for Immune Response and Inflammation. Two DEGs (SELE and CCL20) could be identified by machine-learning algorithms. They performed well in diagnostic tests on independent datasets. In particular, we observed an upregulation of functions associated with the adaptive immune response, the leukocyte-lymphocyte-driven immunological response, and the proinflammatory response. Moreover, by ssGSEA, natural killer T cells, activated dendritic cells, activated CD4 T cells, neutrophils, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were correlated with COVID-19 and PH, with SELE and CCL20 showing the strongest correlation with dendritic cells. Potential therapeutic compounds like FENRETI-NIDE, AFLATOXIN B1 and 1-nitropyrene were predicted. Further molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that 1-nitropyrene had the most stable binding with SELE and CCL20.The findings indicated that SELE and CCL20 were identified as novel diagnostic biomarkers for COVID-19 complicated with PH, and the target of these two key genes, FENRETI-NIDE and 1-nitropyrene, was predicted to be a potential therapeutic target, thus providing new insights into the prediction and treatment of COVID-19 complicated with PH in clinical practice.

Single-cell transcriptomics in MI identify Slc25a4 as a new modulator of mitochondrial malfunction and apoptosis-associated cardiomyocyte subcluster.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of premature death. The death of cardiomyocytes (CMs) and the dysfunction of the remaining viable CMs are the main pathological factors contributing to heart failure (HF) following MI. This study aims to determine the transcriptional profile of CMs and investigate the heterogeneity among CMs under hypoxic conditions. Single-cell atlases of the heart in both the sham and MI groups were developed using single-cell data (GSE214611) downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ ). The heterogeneity among CMs was explored through various analyses including enrichment, pseudo time, and intercellular communication analysis. The marker gene of C5 was identified using differential expression analysis (DEA). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), bulk RNA-sequencing dataset analysis, western blotting, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, Mito-Tracker staining, TUNEL staining, and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to validate the impact of the marker gene on mitochondrial function and cell apoptosis of CMs under hypoxic conditions. We identified a cell subcluster named C5 that exhibited a close association with mitochondrial malfunction and cellular apoptosis characteristics, and identified Slc25a4 as a significant biomarker of C5. Furthermore, our findings indicated that the expression of Slc25a4 was increased in failing hearts, and the downregulation of Slc25a4 improved mitochondrial function and reduced cell apoptosis. Our study significantly identified a distinct subcluster of CMs that exhibited strong associations with ventricular remodeling following MI. Slc25a4 served as the hub gene for C5, highlighting its significant potential as a novel therapeutic target for MI.

CREG1 deficiency impaired myoblast differentiation and skeletal muscle regeneration.

BACKGROUND: CREG1 (cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes 1) is a protein involved in cellular differentiation and homeostasis regulation. However, its role in skeletal muscle satellite cells differentiation and muscle regeneration is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of CREG1 in myogenesis and muscle regeneration. METHODS: RNA sequencing data (GSE8479) was analysed from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi). We generated Creg1 knockdown and skeletal muscle satellite cells specific Creg1 overexpression mice mediated by adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9), skeletal muscle mature myofibre Creg1 knockout mice (myoblast/Creg1MKO), and control mice Creg1flox/flox (Creg1fl/fl) as in vivo models. The mice were injected into tibialis anterior (TA) muscle with 100 µL of 10 µM cardiotoxin to establish a muscle regeneration model. Creg1fl/fl and Creg1MKO mice were treated with AAV-sh-C-Cbl (2 × 1010 genomic copies/mouse) to silence C-Cbl in the TA muscle. 293T and C2C12 cells were transfected with plasmids using lipofectamine RNAi MAX in vitro. Mass spectrometry analyses and RNA sequencing transcriptomic assay were performed. RESULTS: We analysed the transcriptional profiles of the skeletal muscle biopsies from healthy older (N = 25) and younger (N = 26) adult men and women in GSE8479 database, and the results showed that Creg1 was associated with human sarcopenia. We found that Creg1 knockdown mice regenerated less newly formed fibres in response to cardiotoxin injection (~30% reduction, P < 0.01); however, muscle satellite cells specific Creg1 overexpression mice regenerated more newly formed fibres (~20% increase, P < 0.05). AMPKa1 is known as a key mediator in the muscle regeneration process. Our results revealed that CREG1 deficiency inhibited AMPKa1 signalling through C-CBL E3-ubiquitin ligase-mediated AMPKa1 degradation (P < 0.01). C-CBL-mediated AMPKa1 ubiquitination was attributed to the K48-linked polyubiquitination of AMPKa1 at K396 and that the modification played an important role in the regulation of AMPKa1 protein stability. We also found that Creg1MKO mice regenerated less newly formed fibres compared with Creg1fl/fl mice (~30% reduction, P < 0.01). RNA-seq analysis showed that CREG1 deletion in impaired muscles led to the upregulation of inflammation and DKK3 expression. The TA muscles of Creg1MKO mice were injected with AAV-vector or AAV-shC-Cbl, silencing C-CBL (P < 0.01) in the skeletal muscles of Creg1MKO mice significantly improved muscle regeneration induced by CTX injury (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that CREG1 may be a potential therapeutic target for skeletal muscle regeneration.

Exploring shared therapeutic targets in diabetic cardiomyopathy and diabetic foot ulcers through bioinformatics analysis.

Advanced diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients are often accompanied by severe peripheral artery disease. For patients with DCM combined with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), there are currently no good therapeutic targets and drugs. Here, we investigated the underlying network of molecular actions associated with the occurrence of these two complications. The datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We performed enrichment and protein-protein interaction analyses, and screened for hub genes. Construct transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs regulatory networks for validated hub genes. Finally, drug prediction and molecular docking verification were performed. We identified 299 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs), many of which were involved in inflammation and lipid metabolism. 6 DEGs were identified as hub genes (PPARG, JUN, SLC2A1, CD4, SCARB1 and SERPINE1). These 6 hub genes were associated with inflammation and immune response. We identified 31 common TFs and 2 key miRNAs closely related to hub genes. Interestingly, our study suggested that fenofibrate, a lipid-lowering medication, holds promise as a potential treatment for DCM combined with DFU due to its stable binding to the identified hub genes. Here, we revealed a network involves a common target for DCM and DFU. Understanding these networks and hub genes is pivotal for advancing our comprehension of the multifaceted complications of diabetes and facilitating the development of future therapeutic interventions.

Bioinformatics analyses of potentially common pathogenic networks for primary Sjögren's syndrome complicated with acute myocardial infarction.

Both primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are intricately linked. However, their common mechanism is not fully understood. Herein, we examined the underlying network of molecular action associated with developing this complication. Datasets were downloaded from the GEO database. We performed enrichment and protein-protein interaction analyses and screened key genes. We used external datasets to confirm the diagnostic performance for these hub genes. Transcription factor and microRNA regulatory networks were constructed for the validated hub genes. Finally, drug prediction and molecular docking validation were performed. We identified 62 common DEGs, many of which were enriched regarding inflammation and immune response. 5 DEGs were found as key hub genes (IGSF6, MMP9, S100A8, MNDA, and NCF2). They had high diagnostic performance in external datasets. Functional enrichment of these five hub genes showed that they were associated with the adaptive immune response. The Type 1T helper cell showed the most association among all cell types related to AMI and pSS. We identified 36 common TFs and 49 identical TF-miRNAs. The drugs, including Benzo, dexamethasone, and NADP, were predicted as potential therapeutic agents. Herein, we revealed common networks involving pSS and AMI etiologies. Knowledge of these networks and hub genes can enhance research into their associated mechanism and the development of future robust therapy.

Unraveling the molecular links between benzopyrene exposure, NASH, and HCC: an integrated bioinformatics and experimental study.

Benzopyrene (B[a]P) is a well-known carcinogen that can induce chronic inflammation and fibrosis in the liver, leading to liver disease upon chronic exposure. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver condition characterized by fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis, often resulting in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the intricate connections between B[a]P exposure, NASH, and HCC. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of publicly available gene expression profiles, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with B[a]P exposure, NASH, and liver cancer. Furthermore, network analysis revealed hub genes and protein-protein interactions, highlighting cellular metabolic dysfunction and disruption of DNA damage repair in the B[a]P-NASH-HCC process. Notably, HSPA1A and PPARGC1A emerged as significant genes in this pathway. To validate their involvement, we conducted qPCR analysis on cell lines and NASH mouse liver tissues and performed immunohistochemistry labeling in mouse and human HCC liver sections. These findings provide crucial insights into the potential regulatory mechanisms underlying benzopyrene-induced hepatotoxicity, shedding light on the pathogenesis of B[a]P-associated NASH and HCC. Moreover, our study suggests that HSPA1A and PPARGC1A could serve as promising therapeutic targets. Enhancing our understanding of their regulatory roles may facilitate the development of targeted therapies, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Effect of dual antiplatelet therapy prolongation in acute coronary syndrome patients with both high ischemic and bleeding risk: insight from the OPT-CAD study.

Background: In current clinical practice, controversy remains regarding the clinical benefits of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients facing high risks of both ischemia and bleeding ("bi-risk") following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of identifying a group of bi-risk ACS patients after PCI using the OPT-BIRISK criteria, emphasizing extended DAPT treatment safety and efficacy beyond 12 months in these bi-risk ACS after PCI in real-world conditions. Methods: This analysis compared extended DAPT and single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) at 12-24 months in ACS patients undergoing PCI complicated with both ischemic and bleeding risk as defined by OPT-BIRISK criteria without premature DAPT discontinuation before 9 months or major clinical adverse events within 12 months. This was a post hoc analysis of the Optimal antiPlatelet Antiplatelet Therapy for Chinese Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (OPT-CAD) study. The main research outcome was the incidence of ischemic events within 12-24 months, which was determined as a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiac death events. Through propensity score matching (PSM), groups were balanced. For the external validation of the OPT-BIRISK criteria to identify a bi-risk ACS patient, ischemic events, BARC 2, 3, 5 bleeding events, and BARC 3, 5 bleeding events at 5 years were analyzed. Results: The total number of ACS patients analyzed in this analysis was 7,049, of whom 4,146 (58.8%) were bi-risk patients and 2,903 (41.2%) were not. The frequency of ischemic events was significantly different between the two groups at 5 years (11.70% vs. 5.55%, P < 0.001), and the incidence of BARC 2,3,5 bleeding was significantly higher in the bi-risk group (6.90% vs. 4.03%, P < 0.001) than in the non-bi-risk group. Among the bi-risk patients without any clinical adverse events within 12 months that underwent extended DAPT treatment (n = 2,374, 75.7%) exhibited a lower risk of stroke at 12-24 months (1.10% vs. 2.10%, P = 0.036) relative to those that underwent SAPT (n = 763, 24.3%), while bleeding risk did not differ significantly between these groups. PSM cohort analysis results were consistent with those of overall group analyses. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings showed that using the OPT-BIRISK criteria could help physicians identify ACS patients at a high risk of developing recurrent ischemia and bleeding episodes after PCI. Compared to antiplatelet monotherapy, a strategy of extended DAPT may offer potential benefits in lowering the risk of stroke without carrying a disproportionately high risk of serious bleeding problems among these patients who were event-free after a year of DAPT.

The CREG1-FBXO27-LAMP2 axis alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy by promoting autophagy in cardiomyocytes.

Autophagy plays an important role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes 1 (CREG1) is an important myocardial protective factor. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of CREG1 in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Male C57BL/6 J mice, Creg1 transgenic mice and cardiac-specific knockout mice were used to establish a type 2 diabetes model. Small animal ultrasound, Masson's staining and western blotting were used to evaluate cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis and autophagy. Neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCMs) were stimulated with palmitate, and the effects of CREG1 on NMCMs autophagy were examined. CREG1 deficiency exacerbated cardiac dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy, which was accompanied by exacerbated autophagy dysfunction. CREG1 overexpression improved cardiac function and ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy by improving autophagy. CREG1 protein expression was decreased in palmitate-induced NMCMs. CREG1 knockdown exacerbated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and inhibited autophagy. CREG1 overexpression inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and improved autophagy. LAMP2 overexpression reversed the effect of CREG1 knockdown on palmitate-induced inhibition of cardiomyocyte autophagy. CREG1 inhibited LAMP2 protein degradation by inhibiting the protein expression of F-box protein 27 (FBXO27). Our findings indicate new roles of CREG1 in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Efficacy and Safety of Hybrid Comprehensive Telerehabilitation (HCTR) for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Backgrounds: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a serious condition that poses threats to patients' quality of life and life expectancy. Cardiac rehabilitation is a crucial treatment option that can improve outcomes for CVD patients. Hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation (HCTR) is a relatively new approach. In the context of pandemics, HCTR can minimize the risk of cluster infections by reducing hospital visits while delivering effective rehabilitation care. This study is aimed at assessing the efficacy and safety of HCTR as a secondary prevention measure for CVD patients compared to usual rehabilitation care. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, The Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and PsychINFO for all related studies up to January 20, 2023. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of potentially eligible articles based on the predefined search criteria. Data were analyzed using a comprehensive meta-analysis software (RevMan5.3). Results: Eight trials, involving 1578 participants, were included. HCTR and usual rehabilitation care provide similar effects on readmission rates (odds ratio (OR) = 0.90 (95% CI 0.69-1.17), P = 0.43) and mortality (odds ratio (OR) = 1.06 (95% CI 0.72-1.57), P = 0.76). Effects on Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36) score were also similar (SMD: 1.32 (95% CI-0.48-3.11), P = 0.15). Compared with usual rehabilitation care, HCTR can improve peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) (SMD: 0.99 (95% CI 0.23-1.74), P = 0.01) and 6-minute walking test (6MWT) (SMD: 10.02 (95% CI 5.44-14.60), P < 0.001) of patients. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that HCTR is as effective as traditional rehabilitation care in reducing readmission rates and mortality and improving quality of life in patients with CVD. However, HCTR offers the added advantage of improving VO2 peak and 6MWT, measurements of cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity, respectively. These results suggest that HCTR can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional rehabilitation care, offering numerous benefits for CVD patients. Clinical Study Registration Number. This trial is registered with NCT02523560 and NCT02796404.

The role of CREG1 in megakaryocyte maturation and thrombocytopoiesis.

Abnormal megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production lead to platelet-related diseases and impact the dynamic balance between hemostasis and bleeding. Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated gene 1 (CREG1) is a glycoprotein that promotes tissue differentiation. However, its role in megakaryocytes remains unclear. In this study, we found that CREG1 protein is expressed in platelets and megakaryocytes and was decreased in the platelets of patients with thrombocytopenia. A cytosine arabinoside-induced thrombocytopenia mouse model was established, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of CREG1 were found to be reduced in megakaryocytes. We established megakaryocyte/platelet conditional knockout (Creg1pf4-cre) and transgenic mice (tg-Creg1). Compared to Creg1fl/fl mice, Creg1pf4-cre mice exhibited thrombocytopenia, which was mainly caused by inefficient bone marrow (BM) thrombocytopoiesis, but not by apoptosis of circulating platelets. Cultured Creg1pf4-cre-megakaryocytes exhibited impairment of the actin cytoskeleton, with less filamentous actin, significantly fewer proplatelets, and lower ploidy. CREG1 directly interacts with MEK1/2 and promotes MEK1/2 phosphorylation. Thus, our study uncovered the role of CREG1 in the regulation of megakaryocyte maturation and thrombopoiesis, and it provides a possible theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of thrombocytopenia.

MicroRNA-574-5p targeting HOXC6 expression inhibits the hepatocyte lipid uptake to alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the main causes of liver disease that has reached its last stage. Over the past few years, evidence for miRNAs' centrality in NAFLD pathogenesis has accumulated. According to some studies, miR-574-5p plays a role in lipid metabolism. However, research on the relationship between miR-574-5p and NAFLD is lacking. For in vivo experiments, we induced the NAFLD mice model with a high-fat diet (HFD). AgomiR-574-5p was injected intravenously into HFD-fed mice for eight weeks, and qPCR was used to identify the expression of miR-574-5p in the serum. In in vitro experiments, The treatment of L-O2 cells with a miR-574-5p mimic resulted in a significant reduction in lipid deposition, suggesting that miR-574-5p can inhibit lipid accumulation and lipid formation induced by OA. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that miR-574-5p targets the 3' UTR region of HOXC6 directly. We discovered that OA-induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes might be mediated through the miR-574-5p-HOXC6 signaling axis. Additional research is required in order to determine the specific mechanism by which HOXC6 downstream pathways are involved in the miR-574-5p induced lipid uptake.

FGF21-FGFR1 controls mitochondrial homeostasis in cardiomyocytes by modulating the degradation of OPA1.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a pleiotropic hormone secreted primarily by the liver and is considered a major regulator of energy homeostasis. Recent research has revealed that FGF21 could play an important role in cardiac pathological remodeling effects and prevention of cardiomyopathy; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the mechanism underlying the cardioprotective effects of FGF21. We engineered FGF21 knock out mice and subsequently elucidated the effects of FGF21 and its downstream mediators using western blotting, qRT-PCR, and mitochondrial morphological and functional analyses. FGF21 knockout mice showed cardiac dysfunction, accompanied by a decline in global longitudinal strain (GLS) and ejection fraction (EF), independent of metabolic disorders. Mitochondrial quality, quantity, and function were abnormal, accompanied by decreased levels of optic atrophy-1 (OPA1) in FGF21 KO mice. In contrast to FGF21 knockout, cardiac-specific overexpression of FGF21 alleviated the cardiac dysfunction caused by FGF21 deficiency. In an in vitro study, FGF21 siRNA deteriorated mitochondrial dynamics and impaired function induced by cobalt chloride (CoCl2). Both recombinant FGF21 and adenovirus-mediated FGF21 overexpression could alleviate CoCl2-induced mitochondrial impairment by restoring mitochondrial dynamics. FGF21 was essential for maintaining mitochondrial dynamics and function of the cardiomyocytes. As a regulator of cardiomyocyte mitochondrial homeostasis under oxidative stress, FGF21 could be an important new target for therapeutic options for patients with heart failure.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 and prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease: A meta-analysis.

Background: The role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unknown. Methods: A comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify studies reporting the association between FGF21 and prognosis among patients with CVD. A meta-analysis was performed, with patients stratified by coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart failure (HF). The endpoint of CAD or HF was major adverse cardiovascular events defined by each study and a composite of death or HF readmission, respectively. The I2 method and linear regression test of funnel plot asymmetry were used to test heterogeneity (I2 > 50% indicates substantial heterogeneity) and publication bias (asymmetry P < 0.05, indicating publication bias). Results: A total of 807 records were retrieved, and nine studies were finally included. Higher FGF21 levels were significantly associated with the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CAD (multivariate hazard ratio [HR]: 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40-2.23, P < 0.05, I2 = 0%, fixed-effect model). Increased FGF21 levels were also associated with the risk of all-cause death among patients with CAD (multivariate HR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.25-5.72, P < 0.05, I2 = 64%, random-effect model). No association was found between FGF21 and the endpoint among patients with HF (HR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.99-2.48, P > 0.05, random-effect model), but a large heterogeneity (I2 = 95%) and potential publication bias (Asymmetry P < 0.05) existed in the analysis. Conclusion: Increased FGF21 levels were independently associated with poor prognosis of CAD, whereas the role of FGF21 in predicting clinical outcomes of HF requires further investigation.

TCF7L1 Accelerates Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching and Aggravates Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells is a central process in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathology. We found that knockdown TCF7L1 (transcription factor 7-like 1), a member of the TCF/LEF (T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor) family of transcription factors, inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation. This study hints at potential interventions to maintain a normal, differentiated smooth muscle cell state, thereby eliminating the pathogenesis of AAA. In addition, our study provides insights into the potential use of TCF7L1 as a biomarker for AAA.

Corrigendum: Untargeted metabolomics identified kynurenine as a predictive prognostic biomarker in acute myocardial infarction.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.950441.].

RelB represses miR-193a-5p expression to promote the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells in aortic aneurysm.

Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a potentially fatal disease with the possibility of rupture, causing high mortality rates with no effective drugs for the treatment of AA. The mechanism of AA, as well as its therapeutic potential to inhibit aneurysm expansion, has been minimally explored. Small non-coding RNA (miRNAs and miRs) is emerging as a new fundamental regulator of gene expression. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of miR-193a-5p in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). In AAA vascular tissue and Angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the expression of miR-193a-5 was determined using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Western blotting was used to detect the effects of miR-193a-5p on PCNA, CCND1, CCNE1, and CXCR4. To detect the effect of miR-193a-5p on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, CCK-8, and EdU immunostaining, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell Chamber analysis were performed. In vitro results suggest that overexpression of miR-193a-5p inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, and its inhibition aggravated their proliferation and migration. In VSMCs, miR-193a-5p mediated proliferation by regulating CCNE1 and CCND1 genes and migration by regulating CXCR4. Further, in the Ang II-induced abdominal aorta of mice, the expression of miR-193a-5p was reduced and significantly downregulated in the serum of patients with aortic aneurysm (AA). In vitro studies confirmed that Ang II-induced downregulation of miR-193a-5p in VSMCs by upregulation of the expression of the transcriptional repressor RelB in the promoter region. This study may provide new intervention targets for the prevention and treatment of AA.

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the absence of traditional risk factors.

AIMS: To investigate the frequency of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and evaluate its impacts on outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the absence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing was performed to detect the presence of CHIP in 183 patients underwent PCI for the treatment of ACS. The association between CHIP-related mutations and major adverse cardiac or cerebral events (MACCEs, a composite of all-cause mortality, coronary revascularization, myocardial infarction, or stroke) was analyzed in such cohort. RESULTS: Of 179 patients [median age, 65 years; 84 female (46.9%)] included in this analysis, CHIP-related mutations were detected in 36 (20.1%) patients. The somatic mutations most frequently occurred in the genes DNMT3A (17 mutations), TET2 (6 mutations), and ASXL1 (4 mutations). Clinical outcomes at median 635 follow-up days showed that DNMT3A/TET2/ASXL1-CHIP mutations were associated with significantly higher risk of MACCEs, compared with non-CHIP carriers in the CVRFs-absent ACS cohort (26.1% vs. 4.2%, log-rank P = 0.001). Multivariable regression showed that DNMT3A/TET2/ASXL1-CHIP driver mutations (HR 4.015; 95% CI 1.236-13.046; P = 0.021) were independent predictors of adverse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The most frequent CHIP-related mutations, DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1 are significantly associated with increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. Our study may be valuable target to reduce residual risk in patients with ACS carrying specific mutations.

AMPKα2 controls the anti-atherosclerotic effects of fish oils by modulating the SUMOylation of GPR120.

Consuming fish oils (FO) is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in certain populations. However, FO failed to exhibit therapeutic effects in some patients with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to determine the possible reasons for the inconsistent effects of FO. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2 is an important energy metabolic sensor, which was reported to involve in FO mediated regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. In an in vivo study, FO administration significantly reduced the aortic lesions and inflammation in the Ldlr-/- mouse model of atherosclerosis, but not in Ldlr-/-/Prkaa2-/-and Ldlr-/-/Prkaa2-/-Sm22Cre mice. Mechanistically, inactivation of AMPKα2 increased the SUMOylation of the fatty acid receptor GPR120 to block FO-induced internalization and binding to ß-arrestin. In contrast, activation of AMPKα2 can phosphorylate the C-MYC at Serine 67 to inhibit its trans-localization into the nuclei and transcription of SUMO-conjugating E2 enzyme UBC9 and SUMO2/3 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which result in GPR120 SUMOylation. In human arteries, AMPKα2 levels were inversely correlated with UBC9 expression. In a cohort of patients with atherosclerosis, FO concentrations did not correlate with atherosclerotic severity, however, in a subgroup analysis a negative correlation between FO concentrations and atherosclerotic severity was found in patients with higher AMPKα2 levels. These data indicate that AMPKα2 is required for the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects of FO.

Untargeted metabolomics identified kynurenine as a predictive prognostic biomarker in acute myocardial infarction.

Objective: The occurrence of cardiovascular adverse events in the first year after ST-acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains high; therefore, identification of patients with poor prognosis is essential for early intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of metabolomics-based biomarkers in STEMI patients and explore their functional mechanisms. Methods: Metabolite profiling was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance. The plasma concentration of Kynurenine (Kyn) was measured using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Major adverse cardiac and cerebral events were assessed for 1 year. A functional metabolomics strategy was proposed for investigating the role of Kyn in both vitro and vivo models. Results: The adjusted hazard ratios in STEMI patients for Kyn in the 4th quartile 7.12(5.71-10.82) was significantly higher than that in the 3rd quartile 3.03(2.62-3.74), 2nd quartile 1.86(1.70-2.03), and 1st quartile 1.20(0.93-1.39).The incidence of MACCE was significantly different among Kyn quartiles and the highest incidence of MACCE was observed in the 4th quartile when compared with the 1st quartile (9.84% vs.2.85%, P<0.001).Immunofluorescence staining indicated that indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) was located in the CD68 positive staining area of thrombi from STEMI patients and Kyn was induced in the early phase after myocardial infarction. Kyn could trigger inflammation and oxidative stress of macrophage cells by activation of the Sirt3-acSOD2/IL-1ß signaling pathway in vitro. Conclusions: Plasma Kyn levels were positively associated with the occurrence of STEMI. Kyn could induce macrophage cells inflammation and oxidative stress by activating the Sirt3-acSOD2/IL-1ß pathway following myocardial ischemia injury. Kyn could be a robust biomarker for STEMI prognosis and reduction of Kyn could be beneficial in STEMI patients.