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Published on: October 20, 2023
The role of sialic acids in the initiation of atherosclerosis
Anastasia V Poznyak1, Dongwei Zhang2, Andrey V Grechko3
1Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Skolkovo Innovative Center, Moscow, Russia.
Insights
Atherosclerosis involves arterial plaque buildup. Desialylation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and endothelial cells by sialidases is crucial in disease initiation and progression, offering therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of global mortality, characterized by arterial plaque accumulation and rupture.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) modification, particularly desialylation, is a key early event in atherosclerosis.
- Sialic acids and sialidases play critical roles in cellular processes and vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of sialic acids and sialidases in atherosclerosis initiation and development.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying desialylation's impact on LDL and vascular endothelium.
- To identify potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets based on sialic acid metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in atherosclerotic research.
- Analysis of the biochemical functions of sialidases.
- Examination of the impact of LDL and endothelial desialylation on atherogenesis.
Main Results:
- Desialylation of LDL promotes cholesterol and lipid accumulation in arterial walls.
- Sufficient sialylation of vascular endothelium is essential for preventing atherogenic plaque formation.
- Sialidases are identified as crucial enzymes in regulating sialic acid levels and influencing atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Sialic acid modifications and sialidase activity are central to atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- Targeting sialidases and understanding their mechanisms could lead to novel therapies.
- Further research into these pathways is vital for developing effective treatments and diagnostics for cardiovascular disease.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a major cause of disease-related mortality around the globe. The main characteristic of the disease is an accumulation of plaque on the arterial wall and subsequent erosion or rupture of some plaques. Atherosclerosis often leads to cardiovascular disease and such acute complications as myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke due to thrombus formation. Most recent advances in atherosclerotic research state that the modifications of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are one of the most significant stages in the disease initiation, and among these modifications desialylation is of particular interest. Sialic acids are widely expressed on all types of cells of many organisms and participate in numerous biological processes. Regarding atherosclerosis, sialidases that are responsible for the regulation of the sialic component of different molecules, are probably one of the most crucial enzymatic families. Sufficient sialylation of vascular endothelium defines its susceptibility to an atherogenic plaque formation. Moreover, the desialylation of LDL provokes an accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in the arterial walls. According to the multiple involvements of sialic acids and related enzymes, sialidases, in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis, the deeper understanding of their exact role, as well as cellular and molecular mechanisms, will allow creating more targeted and effective therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
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