Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

20.1K

Essential Role of Nonessential Amino Acid Glutamine in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Jinna Chen1, Shulei Zhang1, Jiaxiong Wu1

  • 1Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Province Innovative Training Base for Medical Postgraduates, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.

DNA and Cell Biology
|December 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Glutamine, an abundant amino acid, shows a negative correlation with atherosclerotic lesion progression. This review explores glutamine's protective roles in cardiovascular disease, including its impact on oxidative stress and inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Metabolic Research
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a leading global cause of death, posing significant health risks.
  • Glutamine, the most abundant nonessential amino acid, influences numerous bodily functions.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a link between glutamine levels and the development of atherosclerotic lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of glutamine in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
  • To investigate the relationship between glutamine and key pathological processes in atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on studies examining glutamine's involvement in atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of glutamine's impact on macrophage polarization.
  • Examination of glutamine's effects on oxidative stress and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Main Results:

  • Glutamine exhibits a negative correlation with the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.
  • Glutamine influences macrophage polarization, a critical factor in atherosclerosis.
  • The amino acid plays a role in mitigating oxidative stress and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Conclusions:

  • Glutamine demonstrates significant potential in managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
  • Targeting glutamine metabolism may offer novel therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.
  • Further research into glutamine's mechanisms in cardiovascular health is warranted.

Keywords:
angiogenesisatherosclerosisglutamineischemia–reperfusionmacrophages polarization

More Related Videos

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice07:36

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice

Published on: September 26, 2018

10.4K

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
284
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
486
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
710
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
819
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway01:28

Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway

Nitric oxide (NO), an inorganic gas, acts as a potent second messenger in most animal and plant tissues. NO diffuses out of the cells that produce it and enters the neighboring cells to generate a downstream response. NO synthase (NOS) catalyzes NO production by the deamination of the amino acid arginine. There are three isoforms of NOS. Endothelial cells have endothelial NOS (eNOS), nerve and muscle cells have neuronal NOS (nNOS), and macrophages produce inducible NOS (iNOS) upon exposure...
6.0K
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers01:16

Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers

In cardiovascular health, antianginal drugs combat angina pectoris — a condition marked by chest pain owing to diminished blood flow to the heart.
Organic nitrates,  such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow....
1.3K