| 1. |
- Gidlöf, Andreas C., et al.
(författare)
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Differences in retinol metabolism and proliferative response between neointimal and medial smooth muscle cells
- 2006
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Ingår i: Journal of Vascular Research. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-1172 .- 1423-0135. ; 43:4, s. 392-398
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Vascular disease is multifactorial and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a key role. Retinoids have been shown to influence many disease-promoting processes including proliferation and differentiation in the vessel wall. Phenotypic heterogeneity of vascular SMCs is a well-known phenomenon and phenotypic modulation of SMCs precedes intimal hyperplasia. The SMCs that constitute the intimal hyperplasia demonstrate a distinct phenotype and differ in gene expression compared to medial SMCs. Cellular retinol-binding protein-1 (CRBP-I), involved in retinoid metabolism, is highly expressed in intimal SMCs, indicating altered retinoid metabolism in this subset of cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolism of all-trans ROH (atROH), the circulating prohormone to active retinoids, in vascular SMCs of different phenotypes. The results show an increased uptake of atROH in intimal SMCs compared to medial SMCs as well as increased expression of the retinoid-metabolizing enzymes retinol clehydrogenase-5 and retinal dehydrogenase-1 and, in conjunction with this gene expression, increased production of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). Furthermore, the retinoic acid-catabolizing enzyme CYP26A1 is expressed at higher levels in medial SMCs compared to intimal SMCs. Thus, both retinoid activation and deactivation processes are in operation. To analyze if the difference in ROH metabolism was also correlated to differences in the biological response to retinol, the effects of ROH on proliferation of SMCs with this phenotypic heterogeneity were studied. We found that intimal SMCs showed a dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition when treated with atROH in contrast to medial SMCs, in which atROH had a mitogenic effect. This study shows, for the first time, that (1) vascular SMCs are able to synthesize biologically active atRA from the prohormone atROH, (2) intimal SMCs have a higher capacity to internalize atROH and metabolize atROH into atRA compared to medial SMCs and (3) atROH inhibits growth of intimal SMCs, but induces medial SMC growth.
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| 2. |
- Gidlöf, Andreas C., et al.
(författare)
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Vitamin A : a drug for prevention of restenosis/reocclusion after percutaneous coronary intervention?
- 2008
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Ingår i: Clinical Science. - 0143-5221 .- 1470-8736. ; 114:1, s. 19-25
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The re-establishment of adequate blood flow in a vessel with a reduced lumen due to an atherosclerotic plaque by percutaneous vascular intervention is a well established procedure. However, the long-term outcome of such interventions is negatively influenced by the development of intimal hyperplasia/restenosis. Although extensively researched, this still represents a significant clinical problem. Retinoids, i.e. natural and synthetic derivates of vitamin A, represent a potential therapeutic compound, since they have been shown to influence the vast majority of processes that ultimately lead to reocclusion of the injured vessel. Retinoids exert their effects at the transcriptional level through their nuclear receptors. Targeting multiple processes, i.e. proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix composition and cell differentiation, as well as coagulation/fibrinolysis, should increase their future role in the prevention of restenosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the diverse effects of retinoids on pathobiological and biological processes activated at sites of vascular injury with particular emphasis on intimal hyperplasia/restenosis after endovascular interventions.
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| 3. |
- Kavaliunas, Andrius, et al.
(författare)
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Swedish Policy Analysis for COVID-19
- 2020
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Ingår i: Health Policy and Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 2211-8837 .- 2211-8845. ; 9:4, s. 598-612
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has challenged health care systems and put societies to the test in the world beyond expectations.Objective: Our aim is to describe and analyze the Swedish approach in combating the pandemic.Methods: We present and discuss data collated from various sources - published scientific studies, pre-print material, agency reports, media communication, public surveys, etc. - with specific focus on the approach itself, Covid-19 trends, healthcare system response, policy and measures overview, and implications.Results: The main intervention to manage the curve has been the general recommendations to adhere to good hand hygiene, beware of physical distance to others, to refrain from large gatherings and restrain from non-essential travel. Persons with suspected Covid-19 infection were recommended to stay at home and avoid social contacts. Additionally, visits to the elderly care homes and meetings with more than 50 people were forbidden. As a result, the healthcare system in the country has so far, never been overwhelmed. However, the relatively high mortality among the elderly, together with the vulnerability of some migrants, points out the drawbacks.Conclusions: Many countries have both marvelled and criticized the Swedish strategy that is formed in a close partnership between the government and the society based on a mutual trust giving the responsibility to individuals. It already highlights how much can be achieved with voluntary measures (recommendations) something that was noticed and proposed as a future model by the World Health Organization. (c) 2020 Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine.
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| 4. |
- Kerkman, Priscilla, et al.
(författare)
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Generation of plasma cells and CD27-IgD- B cells during hantavirus infection is associated with distinct pathological findings
- 2021
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Ingår i: Clinical & Translational Immunology (CTI). - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2050-0068. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Human hantavirus infections can cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The pathogenic mechanisms arenot fully understood, nor if they affect the humoral immune system. The objective of this study was to investigate humoral immune responses to hantavirus infection and to correlate them to the typical features of HFRS: thrombocytopenia and transient kidney dysfunction.Methods: We performed a comprehensive characterisation of longitudinal antiviral B-cell responses of 26 hantavirus patients and combined this with paired clinical data. In addition, we measured extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP)and its breakdown products in circulation and performed in vitro stimulations to address its effect on B cells.Results: We found that thrombocytopenia was correlated to an elevated frequency of plasmablasts in circulation. In contrast, kidney dysfunction was indicative of an accumulation of CD27-IgD- B cells and CD27/low plasmablasts. Finally, we provide evidence that high levels of extracellular ATP and matrix metalloproteinase 8 can contribute to shedding of CD27 during human hantavirus infection.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that thrombocytopenia and kidneydysfunction associate with distinctly different effects on the humoral immune system. Moreover, hantavirus-infectedindividuals have significantly elevated levels of extracellular ATP incirculation.
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| 5. |
- Ocaya, Pauline Ajok, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
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CYP26B1 plays a major role in the regulation of all-trans-retinoic acid metabolism and signaling in human aortic smooth muscle cells
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Vascular Research. - : S. Karger. - 1018-1172 .- 1423-0135. ; 48:1, s. 23-30
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: The cytochrome P450 enzymes of the CYP26 family are involved in the catabolism of the biologically active retinoid all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA). Since it is possible that an increased local CYP26 activity would reduce the effects of retinoids in vascular injury, we investigated the role of CYP26 in the regulation of atRA levels in human aortic smooth muscle cells (AOSMCs).Methods: The expression of CYP26 was investigated in cultured AOSMCs using real-time PCR. The metabolism of atRA was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the inhibitor R115866 or small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to suppress CYP26 activity/expression.Results: AOSMCs expressed CYP26B1 constitutively and atRA exposure augmented CYP26B1 mRNA levels. Silencing of the CYP26B1 gene expression or reduction of CYP26B1 enzymatic activity by using siRNA or the inhibitor R115866, respectively, increased atRA-mediated signaling and resulted in decreased cell proliferation. The CYP26 inhibitor also induced expression of atRA-responsive genes. Therefore, atRA-induced CYP26 expression accelerated atRA inactivation in AOSMCs, giving rise to an atRA-CYP26 feedback loop. Inhibition of this loop with a CYP26 inhibitor increased retinoid signaling.Conclusion: The results suggest that CYP26 inhibitors may be a therapeutic alternative to exogenous retinoid administration. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Ocaya, Pauline, et al.
(författare)
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CYP26 inhibitor R115866 increases retinoid signaling in intimal smooth muscle cells
- 2007
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Ingår i: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. - Baltimore, Md : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 1079-5642 .- 1524-4636. ; 27:7, s. 1542-1548
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Intimal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are dedifferentiated SMCs that have a powerful ability to proliferate and migrate. This cell-type is responsible for the development of intimal hyperplasia after vascular angioplasty. Retinoids, especially all-trans retinoid acid, are known to regulate many processes activated at sites of vascular injury, including modulation of SMC phenotype and inhibition of SMC proliferation. Intracellular levels of active retinoids are under firm control. A key enzyme is the all-trans retinoic acid-degrading enzyme cytochrome p450 isoform 26 (CYP26). Thus, an alternative approach to exogenous retinoid administration could be to increase the intracellular level of all-trans retinoic acid by blocking CYP26-mediated degradation of retinoids. METHODS AND RESULTS: Vascular intimal and medial SMCs expressed CYP26A1 and B1 mRNA. Although medial cells remained unaffected, treatment with the CYP26-inhibitor R115866 significantly increased cellular levels of all-trans retinoic acid in intimal SMCs. The increased levels of all-trans retinoic acid induced retinoid-regulated genes and decreased mitogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Blocking of the CYP26-mediated catabolism mimics the effects of exogenously administrated active retinoids on intimal SMCs. Therefore, CYP26-inhibitors offer a potential new therapeutic approach to vascular proliferative disorders.
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| 8. |
- Ocaya, Pauline, 1980-
(författare)
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Retinoid metabolism and signalling in vascular smooth muscle cells
- 2007
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a major role in cardiovascular diseases. In advanced atherosclerosis, blood flow is impaired due to reduced luminal diameter. Percutaneous vascular interventions, including balloon angioplasty and stent-application are commonly used for the re-establishment of luminal size and improvement of tissue perfusion. However, the benefit of vascular interventions is hampered by re-stenosis. The molecular basis of re-stenosis is not fully elucidated and so far, no successful treatment is clinically available. Re-stenosis, which is proposed to be a response to mechanical injury, involves the activation of multiple processes including inflammation, SMC migration and proliferation, and is characterized by vessel remodelling and intimal hyperplasia. Retinoids have been shown to regulate several processes activated at site of vascular injury including inflammation, SMC migration and proliferation, and have been demonstrated to inhibit SMC proliferation and reduce intimal hyperplasia. Thus, retinoids are potential candidates in the treatment of certain vascular disorders. Retinoid metabolism is complex and involves a repertoire of proteins including retinoic acid synthesizing and catabolizing enzymes. The purpose of this study was to investigate retinoid metabolism in vascular cells, more specifically to find key points in the regulation of retinoid metabolism in vascular SMCs and atherosclerotic lesions. We demonstrate that different phenotypes of SMCs exhibit differences in retinoid metabolism, which suggests a link between retinoid metabolism and the SMC phenotype. Vascular SMCs and atherosclerotic lesions expressed cytochrome P450 isoform 26 (CYP26) enzymes, which are involved in retinoid catabolism. Our studies reveal the presence of a negative feedback loop, in which retinoids induce its inactivation by inducing CYP26 expression in vascular SMCs and atherosclerotic lesions. Moreover, inhibition of CYP26 potently blocked retinoid catabolism and resulted in retinoid-like effects in SMCs, indicating that CYP26 is an important endogenous modulator of retinoid metabolism in vascular cells. In atherosclerotic lesions and vascular SMCs, decreased retinoid catabolism and hence, increased retinoid availability, resulted in increased expression of retinoid-responsive genes. Since retinoids reduce intimal hyperplasia in animal models, our studies suggest that CYP26 inhibitors may provide an alternative to exogenous retinoid administration. Thus, CYP26 inhibitors may offer a new therapeutic approach to vascular proliferative disorders.
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| 9. |
- Olofsson, Peder S., et al.
(författare)
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CD137 is expressed in human atherosclerosis and promotes development of plaque inflammation in hypercholesterolemic mice
- 2008
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Ingår i: Circulation. - Baltimore, Md. : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 117:10, s. 1292-1301
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background— Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease in which inflammatory processes play an important role. Inflammation underlies lesion evolution at all stages, from establishment to plaque rupture and thrombosis. Costimulatory molecules of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily such as CD40/CD40L and OX40/OX40L have been implicated in atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— This study shows that the tumor necrosis factor superfamily members CD137 and CD137 ligand (CD137L), which play a major role in several autoimmune diseases, may constitute a pathogenic pair in atherogenesis. We detected CD137 protein in human atherosclerotic lesions not only on T cells but also on endothelial cells and showed that CD137 in cultured endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells was induced by proinflammatory cytokines implicated in atherosclerosis. Activation of CD137 by CD137L induced adhesion molecule expression on endothelial cells and reduced smooth muscle cell proliferation. In addition, treatment of atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E–deficient mice with a CD137 agonist caused increased inflammation. T-cell infiltration, mainly of CD8+ cells, and expression of the murine major histocompatibility complex class II molecule I-Ab increased significantly in atherosclerotic lesions, as did the aortic expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusions— Taken together, these observations suggest that CD137-CD137L interactions in the vasculature may contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis via augmented leukocyte recruitment, increased inflammation, and development of a more disease-prone phenotype.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Wågsäter, Dick, et al.
(författare)
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Expression of IL-1β, IL-1 receptor type I and IL-1 receptor antagonist in human aortic smooth muscle cells : effects of all-trans-retinoic acid
- 2006
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Ingår i: Journal of Vascular Research. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-1172 .- 1423-0135. ; 43:4, s. 377-382
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β and the IL-1 receptor antagonist are expressed by atherosclerotic plaques and may be linked to the development of atherosclerosis. Existing evidence shows that retinoids and their receptors are involved in inflammatory response and that they are found in atherosclerotic plaques. In all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA)-treated human aortic smooth muscle cells (AOSMC), significant increases in IL-1β levels were observed, compared with untreated cells. Examination of IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-1 receptor type I levels did not show any difference between atRA-treated and -untreated AOSMC. The results show that atRA-treated AOSMC express both the precursor (33 kDa) and the active form (17 kDa) of the IL-1β protein. atRA-treated carotid lesions showed significantly elevated IL-1β mRNA levels (2.9 ± 2.33) compared with untreated lesions (2.0 ± 1.77; p < 0.05). These results support the role of atRA as a regulator of inflammation such as in atherosclerosis.
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