The role of oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The main mechanisms which are involved are low-density lipoprotein oxidative modification, inactivation of nitric oxide and modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways. ROS contribute to several aspects of atherosclerosis including endothelial cell dysfunction, monocyte/macrophage recruitment and activation, stimulation of inflammation, and inducing smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation.

Mycophenolate mofetil--a new atheropreventive drug?

Atherosclerosis is a form of chronic inflammation in which endothelial cell dysfunction, fibroproliferative process, oxidative stress and inflammatory cell activation are linked to plaque development and destabilization. T-lymphocytes also play a key role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. As a consequence, the suggested concept that modulation of an immunological response could be an appropriate target in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, is an important focus of research.

[Mitogen-activated protein kinases in atherosclerosis].

Intracellular signalling cascades, in which MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) intermediate, are responsible for a biological response of a cell to an external stimulus. MAP kinases, which include ERK1/2 (extracellular signalling-regulated kinase), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p 38 MAPK, regulate the activity of many proteins, enzymes and transcription factors and thus have a wide spectrum of biological effects. Many basic scientific studies have defined numerous details of their pathway organization and activation.

Mycophenolic acid attenuates the tumour necrosis factor-α-mediated proinflammatory response in endothelial cells by blocking the MAPK/NF-κB and ROS pathways.

Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has beneficial effects in cardiac transplant patients beyond the suppression of tissue rejection. Moreover, mycophenolic acid (MPA), its active metabolite, has been associated with positive effects on atherosclerosis in animal models. The attachment of leukocytes to the vascular endothelium and the subsequent migration of these cells into the vessel wall are early events in inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Bovine corneal epithelial primary cultures as an in vitro model for ophthalmic drugs studies.

In the recent years a significant development of investigations with regard to bioavailability of ocular drugs has been noticed. The corneal epithelial barrier is the main pathway for ocular penetration of topically applied ophthalmic drugs into the anterior chamber. To work out an in vitro model of bovine corneal epithelial primary cultures and exercise it for permeability research with lipophilic and hydrophilic markers, permeability coefficients estimation of the 6-carboxyfluorescein and rhodamin B was made.

Chronic intake of potato chips in humans increases the production of reactive oxygen radicals by leukocytes and increases plasma C-reactive protein: a pilot study.

Background: Relatively high concentrations of acrylamide in commonly ingested food products, such as French fries, potato chips, or cereals, may constitute a potential risk to human health.

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the possible connection between chronic ingestion of acrylamide-containing potato chips and oxidative stress or inflammation.

Design: Fourteen healthy volunteers (mean age: 35 y; 8 women and 6 smokers of >20 cigarettes/d) were given 160 g of potato chips containing 157 microg [corrected] acrylamide daily for 4 wk.

Anthocyanin-rich Aronox extract from Aronia melanocarpa E protects against 7beta-hydroxycholesterol-induced apoptosis of endothelial cells.

Aims: It has been previously reported that dietary polyphenolic compounds have a positive effect in cardiovascular diseases, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the effects of Aronox, an anthocyanin-rich extract from Aronia melanocarpa E, on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) apoptosis was investigated.

Methods: Apoptosis was measured in HUVEC pretreated with Aronox and than treated with 7beta-hydroxycholesterol (20 microg/ml).

Is there an association between angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism and functional activation of monocytes and macrophage in young patients with essential hypertension?

Background: This study was undertaken to determine whether the phenotype of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages is more proatherogenic in young persons with arterial hypertension and whether this phenotype is affected by smoking or polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene.

Methods: We enrolled 40 young patients (24.1 +/- 4.

Butyrate inhibits cytokine-induced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in cultured endothelial cells: the role of NF-kappaB and PPARalpha.

Adhesion and migration of leukocytes into the surrounding tissues is a crucial step in inflammation, immunity, and atherogenesis. Expression of cell adhesion molecules by endothelial cells plays a leading role in this process. Butyrate, a natural short-chain fatty acid produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber, has been attributed with anti-inflammatory activity in inflammatory bowel disease.

[The role of modified oxidation of low density lipoprotein in pathognesis of atherosclerosis].

The precise mechanisms of LDL oxidation in vivo are not well-known but the presence of several enzymes and agents capable of modifying LDL particles was noted in arterial wall. These reactive agents modify lipid, protein as well as antioxidant component of the LDL particles. Postsecretory modification in LDL structure trigger its atherogenic potential.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on cardiovascular disease risk factors in smokers.

Background: The short-chain fatty acids formed in the human colon by the bacterial fermentation of fiber may have an antiinflammatory effect, may reduce insulin production, and may improve lipid metabolism. We previously showed in hypercholesterolemic patients that supplementation with the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum 299v significantly lowers concentrations of LDL cholesterol and fibrinogen.

Objective: We determined the influence of a functional food product containing L.

Protective properties of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) against oxidative stress induced in cultured endothelial cells and monocytes.

It is currently believed that oxidative stress and inflammation play a significant role in atherogenesis. Artichoke extract exhibits hypolipemic properties and contains numerous active substances with antioxidant properties in vitro. We have studied the influence of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from artichoke on intracellular oxidative stress stimulated by inflammatory mediators (TNFalpha and LPS) and ox-LDL in endothelial cells and monocytes.

[Atherosclerosis: a chronic inflammatory diseases].

In spite of years of intense investigations, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis awaits final elucidation and its complications continue to challenge contemporary medicine. It is generally believed that atherosclerosis is the result of chronic and evolving fibroproliferative inflammatory response against harmful factors acting on the vascular wall. This work is a concise review of mechanisms participating in the initiation, evolution and complications of atherosclerosis.