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Background. Certain mediators, such as soluble growth factors and cytokines, among others, are implicated in the immunopathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Objectives. This study aimed to examine the association between serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interferon alpha (IFN-a), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and the clinical presentation and course of SSc. Materials and methods. This longitudinal, observational study included 43 patients with SSc and 24 healthy subjects. Serum concentrations of VEGF, IL-8, IFN-a, and bFGF were measured at baseline in patients previously treated for SSc. Medical history of patients was analyzed retrospectively at the time of cytokine measurement to infer clinical correlations, and during follow-up for a median of 5 years, assessing the incidence of death or cancer. Results. The bFGF and IFN-a concentrations differed between SSc patients and controls (p < 0.01). In turn, organ involvement and SSc phenotypes did not impact studied cytokine concentrations, similar to systemic steroid and/or immunosuppressant use at enrollment. However, we have documented a positive correlation between the current oral steroid dose and serum levels of IL-8 and bFGF. Furthermore, patients with a VEGF level =95.7 pg/mL and IFN-a level =3.6 pg/mL required cyclophosphamide therapy more often, currently or in the past (approx. 3-fold and 4-fold, respectively). Substantially elevated VEGF and IFN-a concentrations at baseline were associated with higher cancer occurrence (n = 4) during follow-up, while elevated circulating IL-8 level was associated with an increased risk of death (n = 9). Conclusions. The SSc group was characterized by higher serum concentrations of bFGF and IFN-a compared to healthy controls. Patients treated with cyclophosphamide or receiving higher systemic steroid doses, thus suffering from a more severe disease type, had increased cytokine levels. Elevated circulating IFN-a and VEGF levels might be correlated with cancer, whereas raised IL-8 levels may be associated with an increased risk of death. However, further research is needed to verify our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-coding RNAs constitute a heterogeneous group of molecules that lack the ability to encode proteins but retain the potential ability to influence cellular processes through a regulatory mechanism. Of these proteins, microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and more recently, circular RNAs have been the most extensively described. However, it is not entirely clear how these molecules interact with each other. For circular RNAs, the basics of their biogenesis and properties are also lacking. Therefore, in this study we performed a comprehensive analysis of circular RNAs in relation to endothelial cells. We identified the pool of circular RNAs present in the endothelium and showed their spectrum and expression across the genome. Using different computational strategies, we proposed approaches to search for potentially functional molecules. In addition, using data from an in vitro model that mimics conditions in the endothelium of an aortic aneurysm, we demonstrated altered expression levels of circRNAs mediated by microRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:  Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) enables noninvasive evaluation of coronary artery atherosclerosis. However, its value to assess coronary artery disease (CAD) in subjects with lower‑extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) and no cardiac symptoms is unknown. Moreover, the relationship between coronary artery plaque characteristics and severity of peripheral atherosclerosis in this group of patients was not sufficiently elucidated., Objectives:  The aim of the study was to determine the value of CTCA to assess coronary artery atherosclerosis and to evaluate the relationship between coronary artery plaque characteristics and severity of peripheral atherosclerosis in subjects with lower‑extremity PAD and no cardiac symptoms., Patients and Methods:  Sixty‑five individuals (45 men, 20 women, mean age, 62.5 ±7.6 years) with lower‑extremity PAD and no cardiac symptoms underwent CTCA., Results:  CTCA revealed CAD in 56 subjects. Twenty‑two had obstructive CAD. The mean ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 0.64 ±0.16. Twenty‑six individuals demonstrated abnormal carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT). ABI lower than median, if compared with ABI equal of higher than median, was associated with a higher proportion of obstructive multivessel to single vessel CAD (8:4 vs. 1:9; P = 0.01) and higher number of coronary artery segments with mixed plaques (2.3 ±2.2 vs. 1.2 ±1.3; P = 0.02). Comparing patients with abnormal and normal IMT, the former demonstrated higher proportion of obstructive multivessel to single-vessel CAD (7:3 vs. 2:10; P = 0.01) and higher number of coronary artery segments with noncalcified (1.9 ±3.2 vs. 0.6 ±1.4; P = 0.04) and mixed plaques (2.3 ±2.1 vs. 1.3 ±1.7; P = 0.049)., Conclusions:  CTCA may be effective to detect CAD in subjects with lower‑extremity PAD and no cardiac symptoms. The low ABI and abnormal IMT are associated with more extensive CAD and higher burden of high‑risk coronary artery plaques.