Analysis of Immune and Inflammation Characteristics of Atherosclerosis from Different Sample Sources

Abstract

Background. Atherosclerosis is the predominant cause of cardiovascular diseases. Existing studies suggest that the development of atherosclerosis is closely related to inflammation and immunity, but whether there are differences and similarities between atherosclerosis occurring at different sites is still unknown. We elucidated the pathological characteristics of peripheral vascular diseases by using bioinformatic analyses on immune cells and inflammation-related gene expression in atherosclerotic arteries and plaques. Methods. Eight data sets regarding atherosclerosis were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Human immune genes were obtained from the IMMPORT website. The samples were scored and divided into high- and low-immune groups. Then the samples were analysed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, while the modules were analysed using functional enrichment. The protein–protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING and Cytoscape databases. The hub immune genes were screened, and the correlation between hub immune genes and immune cells was analysed. Results. Immune cells and their functions were significantly different during atherosclerosis development. The infiltration proportion of immune cells was approximately similar in samples from different sources of patients with carotid atherosclerosis. However, the sensitivity of lower extremity atherosclerosis samples to immune cells is lower than that of carotid atherosclerosis samples.The samples from the plaque and artery were mainly infiltrated by macrophages, T cells and mast cells. After immune cells were assessed, resting NK cells, activated mast cells and M0 macrophages were found to be key immune cells in atherosclerosis and plaque formation. In addition, CCL4, TLR2, IL1B and PTPRC were considered to be immune marker genes in atherosclerosis development. Conclusion. Bioinformatic data analysis confirms the essential role of immune cells in cardiovascular diseases, and also indicates some differences of immune and inflammation characteristics of atherosclerosis between carotid and lower extremity arteries.

Inflammation in coronary artery disease-clinical implications of novel HDL-cholesterol–related inflammatory parameters as predictors

“…Patients with atherosclerosis, compared with control individuals, have a higher level of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) [ 11 , 12 ]. Through analyzing atherosclerotic plaques, abundant infiltrated immune cells and increased expression of inflammatory mediators are identified [ 13 ]. Besides, imaging techniques have enabled the characterization of arterial inflammation in CAD patients and atherosclerotic animal models [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Identification of key genes and pathways in atherosclerosis using integrated bioinformatics analysis

“…We identified the top 10 hub genes based on degree value by using Cytoscape software, including PTPRC, TYROBP, TNF, ITGAM, SPI1, LCP2, CSF1R, CCR5, and ITGAX. Nie reported that PTPRC was considered to be an immune marker gene in atherosclerosis development [ 22 ]. Liu reported that the upregulated TYROBP was identified as a common hub gene and as an immune-responsive hub gene in the advanced atherosclerotic plaques [ 23 ].…”

Anti-inflammatory therapy in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: Current reappraisal

“…Pathological studies of atherosclerotic plaques have shown abundance of immune cells in addition to the deposited lipids. 15 Foam cell and fatty steak formation are the two earliest steps in atherosclerotic plaque progression. Foam cells are lipid laden macrophages which have engulfed oxidised LDL particles.…”