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Modified citrus pectin protects aortic dissection development involving macrophage pyroptosis
Chun-Che Shih1, Wei-Lun Lin2, Chih-Pin Chuu3
1Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan; Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan; Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
Modified citrus pectin (MCP) shows therapeutic potential for aortic dissection (AD). MCP reduced AD incidence and mortality in mice by inhibiting inflammation and pyroptosis, suggesting its use as a supportive therapy.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Inflammation Research
- Dietary Supplement Therapeutics
Background:
- Aortic dissection (AD) is a severe vascular disorder driven by inflammation.
- Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a key regulator of inflammatory cell behavior.
- Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is a dietary supplement with known affinity for Gal-3.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of MCP in a murine model of aortic dissection.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying MCP's effects on inflammation and cell death.
Main Methods:
- A murine model of AD was induced using BAPN/Ang-II and treated with MCP or vehicle.
- In vitro studies utilized H2O2-treated RAW264.7 cells to assess macrophage pyroptosis.
- Gene expression analysis was performed to identify inflammatory pathways affected by MCP.
Main Results:
- MCP administration significantly reduced AD incidence and mortality in mice.
- MCP treatment decreased aortic inflammatory cell infiltration and downregulated pyroptosis-related genes.
- In vitro, MCP mitigated H2O2-induced macrophage death and pyroptosis, likely by interfering with Gal-3 and TLR4 interactions.
Conclusions:
- MCP demonstrates protective effects against aortic dissection by inhibiting pyroptotic inflammation.
- MCP holds potential as a supportive therapy to prevent and delay AD progression.
- Clinical application could benefit patients with Marfan syndrome or abdominal aortic aneurysm, particularly in acute stages.
