Based on observations indicating that the gamma-carboxylase enzyme has a lower affinity for the protein C (PC) propeptide and that the gamma-carboxylase region in the PC propeptide has a higher net... Show moreBased on observations indicating that the gamma-carboxylase enzyme has a lower affinity for the protein C (PC) propeptide and that the gamma-carboxylase region in the PC propeptide has a higher net charge, expression of recombinant chimeric factor IX (FIX) equipped with the PC propeptide was studied. The prepropeptide of FIX was replaced with that of PC by SOEing PCR and after cloning, recombinant pMT-prepro PC/FIX was transfected into insect Drosophila S2 cells. The expression and activity of expressed FIX were analyzed employing antigen and activity analyses 72 h of post-induction with copper. Higher secretion (1.2 fold) and activity (1.6 fold) levels were observed for chimeric prepro- PC/FIX in relation to wild-type FIX. Furthermore, after barium citrate precipitation, the evaluation of fully gamma-carboxylated FIX indicated that more than 51% of the total FIX produced with the PC prepropeptide was fully gamma-carboxylated, representing a substantial improvement (twofold) over a system employing the native FIX propeptide in which 25% of the protein is fully gamma-carboxylated. The data illustrated that the expression of FIX using the PC propeptide led to much higher fully gamma-carboxylated material, which is preferred to FIX constructs tolerating the sequence for the native FIX propeptide expressed in heterologous S2 systems. Show less
Murine atherosclerosis models are key for investigation of atherosclerosis pathophysiology and drug development. However, they do not feature spontaneous atherothrombosis as a final stage of... Show moreMurine atherosclerosis models are key for investigation of atherosclerosis pathophysiology and drug development. However, they do not feature spontaneous atherothrombosis as a final stage of atherosclerosis. Transgenic mice expressing both the human mutant apolipoprotein E form APOE*3-Leiden and human cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), i.e. APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, feature a moderate hyperlipoproteinemia and atherosclerosis phenotype. In contrast to apolipoprotein E deficient (Apoe(-/-)) mice, APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice respond well to lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic drugs. The aim of the study was to investigate whether silencing of anticoagulant Protein C (Proc) allows APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice to feature thrombosis as a final stage of atherosclerosis. Female APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice were fed a Western-type diet to induce advanced atherosclerosis, followed by an injection with a small interfering RNA targeting Proc (siProc). Presence of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis was determined by histologic analysis of the aortic root. Atherosclerosis severity in the aortic root area of APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice varied from type "0" (no lesions) to type "V" lesions (advanced and complex lesions). Atherothrombosis following siProc injection was observed for 4 out of 21 APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice (19% incidence). The atherothrombosis presented as large, organized, fibrin- and leukocyte-rich thrombi on top of advanced (type "V") atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic root. This atherothrombosis was comparable in appearance and incidence as previously reported for Apoe(-/-) mice with a more severe atherosclerosis (19% incidence). APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice with modest hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis can develop atherothrombosis upon transient Proc-silencing. This further extends the use of these mice as a test model for lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic drugs. Show less
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The primary underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic, multifactorial disease... Show moreCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The primary underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic, multifactorial disease in which lipid accumulates in the arterial wall, leading to a local inflammatory reaction and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Atherosclerotic disease develops largely asymptomatic over a lifetime. However, plaque rupture or erosion can cause the formation of a superimposed thrombus, blocking the flow of blood, and cause acute cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Defects in cholesterol metabolism and hypercholesterolemia, which are major risk factors for atherosclerosis, have been shown to affect hematopoiesis, immune cell production and platelet counts and reactivity. Therefore, bone marrow cholesterol handling is an interesting target in the battle against cardiovascular disease, and acute cardiovascular events in particular. This thesis describes novel interactions between cholesterol metabolism and the production of immune cells and platelets, and its effects on atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis development. Show less
Ouweneel, A.B.; Heestermans, M.; Verwilligen, R.A.F.; Gijbels, M.J.J.; Reitsma, P.H.; Eck, M. van; Vlijmen, B.J.M. van 2017
Murine atherosclerosis models do not spontaneously develop atherothrombotic complications. We investigated whether disruption of natural anticoagulation allows preexisting atherosclerotic plaques... Show moreMurine atherosclerosis models do not spontaneously develop atherothrombotic complications. We investigated whether disruption of natural anticoagulation allows preexisting atherosclerotic plaques to progress toward an atherothrombotic phenotype. Mice featured clots in the left atrium of the heart. Our findings indicate that small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of protein C in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice creates a condition that allows the occurrence of spontaneous atherothrombosis, albeit at a low incidence. Lowering natural anticoagulation in atherosclerosis models may help to discover factors that increase atherothrombotic complications. Show less
Minno, M.N.D. di; Ambrosino, P.; Ageno, W.; Rosendaal, F.; Minno, G. di; Dentali, F. 2015
Veneuze en arteri_le trombose zijn twee van de belangrijkste oorzaken van ziekte en sterfte in Westerse landen. Hoewel de laatste jaren is er veel bekend geworden over de oorzaken die de kans op... Show moreVeneuze en arteri_le trombose zijn twee van de belangrijkste oorzaken van ziekte en sterfte in Westerse landen. Hoewel de laatste jaren is er veel bekend geworden over de oorzaken die de kans op het krijgen van trombose verhogen, zijn er nog veel onduidelijkheden. In dit proefschrift hebben we getracht om naar aanleiding van eerder uitgevoerde genetische en observationele studies nieuwe risicofactoren voor deze twee soorten trombose op te zoeken. Tevens is de samenhang tussen arteri_le en veneuze trombose en de preventie voor trombose tijdens zwangerschap besproken. Show less
