CD163 deficiency increases foam cell formation and plaque progression in atherosclerotic mice.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of macrophages in the vessel wall. Macrophages depend on their polarization to exert either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects. Macrophages of the anti-inflammatory phenotype express high levels of CD163, a scavenger receptor for the hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex.

TWEAK blockade decreases atherosclerotic lesion size and progression through suppression of STAT1 signaling in diabetic mice.

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK/Tnfsf12) is a cytokine implicated in different steps associated with vascular remodeling. However, the role of TWEAK under hyperglycemic conditions is currently unknown. Using two different approaches, genetic deletion of Tnfsf12 and treatment with a TWEAK blocking mAb, we have analyzed the effect of TWEAK inhibition on atherosclerotic plaque progression and stability in streptozotocin-induced diabetic ApoE deficient mice.

Soluble TWEAK and atheromatosis progression in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background And Aims: Circulating soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) concentrations are related to the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there are no data regarding the potential association between sTWEAK and atheromatosis progression in patients free of cardiovascular events.

Methods: Soluble TWEAK serum concentration was measured in 702 CKD patients without any previous CV event from The National Observatory of Atherosclerosis in Nephrology (NEFRONA) Study.

Soluble TWEAK and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with CKD.

Background And Objectives: Soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) is a proinflammatory cytokine belonging to the TNF superfamily. sTWEAK concentrations have been associated with the presence of CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We hypothesized that sTWEAK levels may relate to a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques, vascular calcification, and cardiovascular outcomes observed in patients with CKD.

TWEAK/Fn14 interaction promotes oxidative stress through NADPH oxidase activation in macrophages.

Aim: The interaction between TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK, Tnfsf12) and the receptor, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), regulates vascular damage through different mechanisms, including inflammation. Oxidative stress plays a major role in inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis, but the relationship between TWEAK and oxidative stress is, however, poorly understood.

Methods And Results: In this study, we found that TWEAK and Fn14 are co-localized with the NADPH subunits, p22phox and Nox2, in human advanced atherosclerotic plaques.

Soluble TWEAK levels predict the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in subjects free from clinical cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: Reduced soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) levels have been related with cardiovascular disease. However, there are no data on the relationship between sTWEAK and atherosclerotic burden in subjects with or without cardiovascular risk factors but free from clinical disease. We have analyzed the association between circulating sTWEAK levels and the presence of carotid and/or femoral atherosclerotic plaques in subjects without known vascular disease.

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis or Fn14 deficiency reduce elastase perfusion-induced aortic abdominal aneurysm in mice.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) involves leukocyte recruitment, inflammatory cytokine production, vascular cell apoptosis, neovascularization, and vascular remodeling, all of which contribute to aortic dilatation. Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a cytokine implicated in proinflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and matrix degradation but its role in AAA formation is currently unknown.

Methods And Results: Experimental AAA with aortic elastase perfusion in mice was induced in wild-type (WT), TWEAK deficient (TWEAK KO), or Fn14-deficient (Fn14 KO) mice.

[Atorvastatin inhibits the atherosclerotic lesion induced by tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis in apolipoprotein E deficient mice].

Aim: Interaction of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) with its receptor Fn14 accelerates atherosclerotic plaque development in ApoE deficient mice (ApoE KO). In this work, an analysis has been made on the effect of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, atorvastatin, on atherosclerotic plaque development accelerated by TWEAK in ApoE KO mice.

Materials And Methods: Eight week-old ApoE KO mice were fed with a high cholesterol diet for 4 weeks.

Genetic deletion or TWEAK blocking antibody administration reduce atherosclerosis and enhance plaque stability in mice.

Clinical complications associated with atherosclerotic plaques arise from luminal obstruction due to plaque growth or destabilization leading to rupture. Tumour necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12 (TNFSF12) also known as TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a proinflammatory cytokine that participates in atherosclerotic plaque development, but its role in plaque stability remains unclear. Using two different approaches, genetic deletion of TNFSF12 and treatment with a TWEAK blocking mAb in atherosclerosis-prone mice, we have analysed the effect of TWEAK inhibition on atherosclerotic plaques progression and stability.