These results suggest that anti-ApoA-1 IgG might be associated with increased atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability in humans and mice.
In both cell culture based model systems and in the failing human heart, beta-adrenergic receptors ( beta-AR) undergo agonist-mediated down-regulation. This decrease correlates closely with down-regulation of its mRNA, an effect regulated in part by changes in mRNA stability. Regulation of mRNA stability has been associated with mRNA-binding proteins that recognize A + U-rich elements within the 3'-untranslated regions of many mRNAs encoding proto-oncogene and cytokine mRNAs. We demonstrate here that the mRNA-binding protein, AUF1, is present in both human heart and in hamster DDT1-MF2 smooth muscle cells and that its abundance is regulated by beta-AR agonist stimulation. In human heart, AUF1 mRNA and protein was significantly increased in individuals with myocardial failure, a condition associated with increases in the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist norepinephrine. In the same hearts, there was a significant decrease (approximately 50%) in the abundance of beta1-AR mRNA and protein. In DDT1-MF2 cells, where agonist-mediated destabilization of beta2-AR mRNA was first described, exposure to beta-AR agonist resulted in a significant increase in AUF1 mRNA and protein (approximately 100%). Conversely, agonist exposure significantly decreased (approximately 40%) beta2-adrenergic receptor mRNA abundance. Last, we demonstrate that AUF1 can be immunoprecipitated from polysome-derived proteins following UV cross-linking to the 3'-untranslated region of the human beta1-AR mRNA and that purified, recombinant p37AUF1 protein also binds to beta1-AR 3'-untranslated region mRNA.
Background and Purpose-The concept of "vulnerable plaque" has been extended to the more recent definition of the "cardiovascular vulnerable patient," in which "intraplaque" and "systemic" factors contribute to the cumulative risk of acute cardiovascular events. Thus, we investigated the possible role of systemic and intraplaque inflammation in patients asymptomatic versus symptomatic for ischemic stroke. Methods-Regions upstream and downstream the blood flow were isolated from internal carotid plaques of patients asymptomatic (nϭ63) or symptomatic (nϭ18) for ischemic stroke. Specimens were analyzed for lipid, collagen, macrophage, lymphocyte, neutrophil, mast cell and smooth muscle cell content, and chemokine and cytokine mRNA expression. Chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules were assessed on circulating leukocytes by flow cytometry. Systemic inflammatory markers and biochemical parameters were measured on total blood, plasma, and serum. Results-Tumor necrosis factor-␣ and CCL5 serum levels as well as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression on circulating neutrophils were increased in symptomatic as compared with asymptomatic patients. Collagen content and smooth muscle cell infiltration were decreased in symptomatic plaques. In upstream regions of symptomatic plaques, lipid content and lymphocyte infiltration were increased. In downstream regions of symptomatic plaques, macrophage, neutrophil, and mast cell infiltration were increased. Intraplaque collagen content was positively correlated with smooth muscle cell infiltration and inversely correlated with macrophages, neutrophils, or serum tumor necrosis factor-␣. Collagen reduction in downstream regions and serum tumor necrosis factor-␣ were independently associated with the likelihood of being symptomatic. Conclusions-Inflammatory mediators are increased in ischemic stroke. Despite statistically significant, the correlation between tumor necrosis factor-␣ serum level and intraplaque vulnerability was weak and probably of limited biological importance. (Stroke. 2010;41:1394-1404.)Key Words: carotid artery Ⅲ carotid endarterectomy Ⅲ inflammation Ⅲ leukocytes V ariations in plaque composition, size, and severity of lumen stenosis have been identified as crucial aspects of plaque vulnerability. 1,2 Inflammation, thin or fissured cap with large lipid core, and severe stenosis increase plaque vulnerability. In addition, superficial calcified nodules, hemorrhages, endothelial dysfunction, and expansive (positive) remodeling could also contribute to atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. More recently, clinical studies suggested that acute ischemic events could be also influenced by systemic factors and peripheral tissue resistance to hypoxia. 3 Nonspecific serum markers of altered lipid profile, inflammation, and hypercoagulability have been identified. 4 Thus, the concept of "vulnerable plaque" has been extended to the more recent definition of the "cardiovascular vulnerable patient," in which "intraplaque" and systemic factors contribute to the cumulati...
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