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HMGB1 in vascular diseases: Its role in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis

A W S de Souza1, J Westra, P C Limburg

  • 1Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. a.w.silva.de.souza@umcg.nl

Autoimmunity Reviews
|April 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is implicated in vascular diseases like vasculitis and atherosclerosis. Elevated HMGB1 levels correlate with disease activity, severity, and mortality in patients with vascular conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein implicated in vascular disease pathogenesis.
  • Elevated HMGB1 levels are observed in active systemic vasculitis (e.g., ANCA-associated vasculitis, Kawasaki disease) and atherosclerotic lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical and experimental evidence on the role of HMGB1 in vascular diseases.
  • To explore HMGB1's involvement in inflammation, recovery, and remodeling post-ischemia.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical studies assessing HMGB1 levels in patients with vascular diseases.
  • Analysis of experimental models investigating HMGB1's function in ischemic injury and repair.

Main Results:

  • Increased serum HMGB1 levels in active vasculitis and post-ischemic events (acute coronary syndromes, stroke).
  • HMGB1 expression is upregulated in macrophages and smooth muscle cells within atherosclerotic plaques.
  • HMGB1 levels correlate with disease severity and mortality in acute coronary syndromes and stroke.

Conclusions:

  • HMGB1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of various vascular diseases.
  • HMGB1 is a potential biomarker for disease activity and prognosis in vascular conditions.
  • Further research into HMGB1's mechanisms may reveal therapeutic targets for vascular diseases.

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