Review
Research progress of pyroptosis in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
Sun Likun, Shu Chang, Li Xin, Li Jiehua
Published 2021-05-08
Cite as Chin J Exp Surg, 2021, 38(5): 969-972. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn421213-20201228-00958
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death, which is mainly activated through the canonical pathway dependent on cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-1 and the non-canonical pathway dependent on Caspase-4/5/11. It is characterized by the rupture of the cell membrane and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is a key effector protein in the downstream pathway of pyroptosis, which mediates the formation of cell membrane pores and contributes to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators into extracellular matrix. Recent studies have shown that pyroptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is related to plaque instability. In this article, we made a review about the latest research progress of pyroptosis and its molecular mechanisms, as well as the roles of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophage pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Key words:
Pyroptosis; Atherosclerosis; Inflammasome; Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase
Contributor Information
Sun Likun
Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Vascular Disease Institute of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
Shu Chang
Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Vascular Disease Institute of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
Department of Vascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences &
Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
Li Xin
Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Vascular Disease Institute of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
Li Jiehua
Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Vascular Disease Institute of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China