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Published on: July 26, 2024
CTRP13 Mitigates Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation via NAMPT1
Wenjing Xu1, Yuelin Chao2, Minglu Liang3
1Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein-13 (CTRP13) is downregulated in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). CTRP13 supplementation reduced AAA severity by targeting NAMPT1, suggesting CTRP13 as a potential therapeutic for AAA.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous cardiovascular condition involving aortic dilation.
- C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein-13 (CTRP13), an adipokine, has known cardiovascular roles, but its function in AAA is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CTRP13 in the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
- To explore CTRP13 as a potential therapeutic target for AAA.
Main Methods:
- Measured serum CTRP13 levels in AAA patients and rodent models.
- Utilized two distinct murine AAA models (Angiotensin II in ApoE-/- mice and CaCl2 in C57BL/6J mice).
- Investigated CTRP13's effects on aortic inflammation, cytokine expression, vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis, and its interaction with NAMPT1.
Main Results:
- Serum CTRP13 levels were significantly lower in AAA patients and rodent models.
- CTRP13 administration reduced AAA incidence and severity, decreasing macrophage infiltration, proinflammatory cytokine expression (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1), and SMC apoptosis.
- CTRP13 supplementation upregulated nicotinamide phosphoribosyl-transferase 1 (NAMPT1) expression in a ubiquitination-proteasome-dependent manner.
- NAMPT1 knockdown abrogated the protective effects of CTRP13.
Conclusions:
- CTRP13 plays a protective role in preventing AAA formation and progression.
- CTRP13 exerts its beneficial effects by targeting NAMPT1, reducing vascular inflammation and SMC apoptosis.
- CTRP13 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing abdominal aortic aneurysm.
