Vascular metallomics: Copper in the vasculature

Abstract

Owing to recent progress in analytical techniques, metallomics are evolving from detecting distinct trace metals in a defined state to monitor the dynamic changes in the abundance and location of trace metals in vitro and in vivo. Vascular metallomics is an emerging field that studies the role of trace metals in vasculature. This review will introduce common metallomics techniques including atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with a summary table to compare these techniques. Moreover, we will summarize recent research findings that have applied these techniques to human population studies in cardiovascular diseases, with a particular emphasis on the role of copper in these diseases. In order to address the issue of interdisciplinary studies between metallomics and vascular biology, we will review the progress of efforts to understand the role of copper in neovascularization. This recent advance in the metallomics field may be a powerful tool to elucidate the signaling pathways and specific biological functions of these trace metals. Finally, we summarize the evidence to support the notion that copper is a dynamic signaling molecule. As a future direction, vascular metallomics studies may lead to the identification of targets for diagnosis and therapy in cardiovascular disease.

Non-hepatic tumors change the activity of genes encoding copper trafficking proteins in the liver

“…First, neovascularization is dependent on the copper-mediated activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which acts through a specific VEGF receptor (VEGFR). [17][18][19] The activity of this system was also conclusively shown to be associated with invasion and migration of tumor cells. [20][21][22] Second, the levels of the copper-dependent intracellular lysyl oxidase-like proteins (LOXLs, LOXL1-4) have been reported to be upregulated in various tumors compared with their normal or less aggressive neoplastic counterparts, where LOXLs acted as promoters of motility/migration.…”

Mouse Models of Oxidative Stress Indicate a Role for Modulating Healthy Aging

“…Peroxynitrite can also cause modifications in both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA [35-37]. Other mechanisms of damage to macromolecules can occur as a result of free iron [44,45] and copper [46-47] through Fenton chemistry [48]. Likewise, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide reacting through the Haber-Weiss reaction [39] can cause oxidative damage.…”

Analysis of Human Serum and Whole Blood for Mineral Content by ICP-MS and ICP-OES: Development of a Mineralomics Method

“…[8] Mineralomic studies can be combined with traditional metabolomics studies to provide a comprehensive view of the chemicals contained in the body and their relationship to a variety of health states including heart disease and obesity. [9,10]…”