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Circulation. 2001;104:921-927
doi: 10.1161/hc3401.093152
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(Circulation. 2001;104:921.)
© 2001 American Heart Association, Inc.


Basic Science Reports

Overexpression of Functionally Coupled Cyclooxygenase-2 and Prostaglandin E Synthase in Symptomatic Atherosclerotic Plaques as a Basis of Prostaglandin E2-Dependent Plaque Instability

Francesco Cipollone, MD; Cesaria Prontera, PhD; Barbara Pini, MD; Matteo Marini, PhD; Maria Fazia, PhD; Domenico De Cesare, Tch; Annalisa Iezzi, PhD; Sante Ucchino, MD; Gianfranco Boccoli, MD; Vittorio Saba, MD; Francesco Chiarelli, MD; Franco Cuccurullo, MD; Andrea Mezzetti, MD

From the University of Chieti, G. D’Annunzio School of Medicine, Chieti, and INRCA, University of Ancona School of Medicine (V.S.), Ancona, Italy.

Correspondence to Andrea Mezzetti, MD, Centro per la Prevenzione dell’Aterosclerosi, la Diagnosi e Terapia dell’Ipertensione Arteriosa e delle Dislipidemie, Nuovo Policlinico SS. Annunziata, Via dei Vestini 66, 66013 Chieti, Italy. E-mail mezzetti{at}unich.it


*    Abstract
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Background— Studies have implicated a role for prostaglandin (PG) E2-dependent matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) biosynthesis in the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and PGE synthase (PGES) are coregulated in nucleated cells by inflammatory stimuli. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of COX-2 and PGES in carotid plaques and to correlate it with the extent of inflammatory infiltration and MMP activity and with clinical features of patients’ presentation.

Methods and Results— Plaques were obtained from 50 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and divided into 2 groups (symptomatic and asymptomatic) according to clinical evidence of recent transient ischemic attack or stroke. Plaques were analyzed for COX-2, PGES, MMP-2, and MMP-9 by immunocytochemistry and Western blot, whereas zymography was used to detect MMP activity. Immunocytochemistry was used to identify CD68+ macrophages, CD3+ T lymphocytes, and HLA-DR+ cells. The percentage of macrophage-rich areas was larger (P<0.0001) in symptomatic plaques. COX-2, PGES, and MMPs were detected in all specimens; enzyme concentration, however, was significantly higher in symptomatic plaques. COX-2, PGES, and MMPs were especially noted in shoulders of symptomatic plaques, colocalizing with HLA-DR+ macrophages. All symptomatic plaques contained activated forms of MMPs. Finally, inhibition of COX-2 by NS-398 was accompanied by decreased production of MMPs that was reversed by PGE2.

Conclusions— This study demonstrates the colocalization of COX-2 and PGES in symptomatic lesions and provides evidence that synthesis of COX-2 and PGES by activated macrophages is associated with acute ischemic syndromes, possibly through metalloproteinase-induced plaque rupture.


Key Words: atherosclerosis • plaque • prostaglandins • metalloproteinases • inflammation


*    Introduction
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There is increasing evidence that inflammation plays a central role in the cascade of events that eventually results in plaque erosion and fissuring.1 In fact, studies examining markers of inflammation demonstrate a relation between inflammation and risk of cardiovascular disease.2 Furthermore, several studies have shown that inflammation is more common in symptomatic plaques, with greater numbers of macrophages and T cells detected in the cap of symptomatic plaques,3 and plaque rupture has been shown to be related to increased inflammation within the plaque rather than plaque morphology or degree of vessel stenosis.1

Macrophages synthesize proteolytic enzymes capable of degrading plaque constituents. One such family of enzymes, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), is capable of degrading all macromolecular constituents of the extracellular matrix.4 Increased expression of active MMP-2 and MMP-9 has been reported in vulnerable regions of human carotid plaques in association with macrophages.5 Moreover, Loftus et al6 demonstrated that MMP-9 activity is significantly higher in unstable carotid plaques. Thus, localized increase in MMP has the potential to cause the acute plaque disruption that precedes the onset of symptoms in both the coronary and cerebral circulations.

Production of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by macrophages has been shown to occur through a prostaglandin (PG) E2/cAMP–dependent pathway.7 Signaling through this pathway involves the modulation of cyclooxygenase (COX).7 Two isoforms of COX have been identified, referred to as COX-1 and COX-2.8 COX-1 is constitutively expressed and is responsible for the biosynthesis of prostaglandins involved in vascular homeostasis. In contrast, COX-2 is induced in response to growth factors, cytokines, and phorbol esters, suggesting that this enzyme is involved in the generation of prostaglandins in inflammatory diseases. Consistent with the hypothesis of COX-2 contributing to the clinical instability of coronary artery disease, incomplete suppression of thromboxane metabolite excretion has been detected in patients with unstable angina despite >95% suppression of platelet COX-1 by aspirin.9 Moreover, the induction of COX-2 in monocytes and the resulting production of PGE2 have been shown to be involved in MMP production by these cells.7

Thus, the identification of pathways that may regulate MMPs is critical to the formulation of strategies that may stabilize plaques. The possibility that the simultaneous induction of COX-2 and PGE synthase (PGES) by inflammatory stimuli might represent a mechanism of plaque disruption led us to investigate whether it would modulate the production of MMP by macrophages into atherosclerotic plaques. Here, we report enhanced MMP production by macrophages in symptomatic carotid plaques, most likely due to the enhancement in PGE2 synthesis as a result of the induction of the functionally coupled inducible COX/PGES.


*    Methods
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Patients
We studied 50 of 66 consecutive surgical inpatients (27 male, 23 female; 72±2 years old) undergoing carotid endarterectomy for extracranial high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis (>=70% luminal narrowing). Recruitment was completed when 2 predetermined equal groups of 25 patients according to clinical evidence of plaque instability were achieved. The first group included 25 patients who presented with symptoms of cerebral ischemic attack. Endarterectomy was performed 10 to 40 days after the onset of symptoms in these patients. The second group included 25 patients who had an asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Percentages of carotid diameter reduction, procedural methods, concomitant therapy, and risk factors did not differ between the 2 groups (Table). By the time of surgery, all patients were taking long-term aspirin therapy (100 mg/d). The study was approved by local ethics review committees. Informed consent was obtained from all patients.


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Table 1. Characteristics of Study Patients

Immunohistochemistry
Serial sections were analyzed as described by Schönbeck et al.10 Specific antibodies anti-CD68, anti-CD3, anti–HLA-DR, anti–{alpha}-smooth muscle actin, and anti-CD31 (Dako); anti–COX-2 and anti-PGES (Cayman Chemical); and anti–MMP-2 and anti–MMP-9 (Calbiochem-Novabiochem) were used. In addition, 4 sections from each plaque were examined for the presence of plaque ulceration and intraplaque hemorrhage. The specimens were analyzed by an expert pathologist (intraobserver variability 6%) blinded to the patient’s diagnosis. Quantitative Analysis was performed with a computer-based image analysis system (AlphaEase 5.02, Alpha Innotech Corp).

Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction
COX-2 mRNA expression was evaluated by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RNA was reverse transcribed, and first-strand cDNA was used as a template in PCR. cDNA aliquots were amplified with primers specific for COX-2 and housekeeping gene GAPDH in a Perkin-Elmer GeneAmp 2400 cycler.

Western Blot
COX-2, PGES, MMP-2, and MMP-9 proteins were extracted and detected by Western blot as described by Jakobsson et al.11 Bands were quantified by computer-assisted densitometry.

Zymography
Zymography was performed as described by Herron et al.12 Conditioned medium of human fibrosarcoma cell line HT1080 was used as a positive control with known gelatinolytic activity.

Cell Isolation and Culture
Peripheral monocytes were purified and cultured as described by Fitzsimmons et al.13 Control or stimulated (lipopolysaccharide [LPS], 1 µg/mL; interleukin-1ß [IL-1ß], 10 ng/mL) monocytes (20x106/4 mL of DME) were cultured in the presence or absence of the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 (1 to 10 µmol/L, Sigma). PGE2 (10-7 mol/L, Sigma) was also added to some of the cultures. The results are representative of >=3 experiments using cells from different donors.

Statistical Analysis
Clinical and histological variables were compared by {chi}2 test. Differences in enzyme expression and inflammatory infiltrate were analyzed by Student’s t test. Statistical significance was indicated by a value of P<0.05. All calculations were performed with the computer program SPSS 8.0.


*    Results
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Histological Analysis
Plaque ulceration was significantly more common in the symptomatic plaques (14 of 25 [53%] versus 7 of 25 [26%]; P<0.05). In contrast, no differences (13 of 25 [52%]) were observed with regard to intraplaque hemorrhage (Table).

Inflammatory Infiltration
Immunocytochemistry revealed inflammatory infiltration in all specimens examined, more evident in symptomatic plaques (Figure 1). Overall, macrophage and T-lymphocyte infiltration occurred coincidentally and was most prominent in the shoulder of the lesions and in the immediate vicinity of the atheromatous core of the lesions. Plaque area occupied by macrophages and T cells was significantly greater (P<0.0001) in symptomatic than in asymptomatic plaque (Table).



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Figure 1. Stain (x5) for CD68, CD3, and HLA-DR in symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques. Similar regions of plaque are shown. These results are typical of 25 symptomatic and 25 asymptomatic plaques.

Macrophage Activation in Symptomatic Plaques
The site of inflammatory infiltration in the shoulder of symptomatic plaques was always characterized by strong expression of HLA-DR antigens, which contrasted markedly with the low expression of HLA-DR in the asymptomatic plaques (Figure 1). HLA-DR expression was most abundant on macrophages and lymphocytes, but HLA-DR+ smooth muscle cells (SMCs) also occurred, although limited to sites adjacent to inflammatory infiltrates.

COX-2 Is Expressed in Macrophages of Symptomatic Plaques
Atherosclerotic lesions contained immunostainable COX-2 (Figure 2). Interestingly, COX-2 was more abundant in symptomatic lesions, as confirmed by quantitative analysis (21.6±4.1% versus 5.6±2.6%, n=25, mean±SD; P<0.0001). COX-2 accumulated in the shoulder region and in the periphery of the lipid core. COX-2 staining pattern indicated its localization in the activated macrophages and SMCs. Finally, the endothelium and medial SMCs of plaque vasa vasorum also showed COX-2 staining.



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Figure 2. Stain (x40) for COX-2, PGES, and MMP-9 in symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques. Similar regions of plaque are shown. These results are typical of 25 symptomatic and 25 asymptomatic plaques. Similar results were observed for MMP-2 (data not shown).

COX-2 Is Expressed in Higher Amounts in Symptomatic Plaques
Western blot and RT-PCR analyses revealed COX-2 expression in plaques (Figure 3, A and B), markedly higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic plaques (6045±146 versus 1793±801 densitometric units [DU] for protein expression, n=25, mean±SD; P<0.0001).



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Figure 3. Western blot for COX-2 and PGES (A) and RT-PCR for COX-2 (B).

Regional Overexpression of PGES in Symptomatic Plaques
Immunohistochemistry revealed strong PGES immunoreactivity in all of the symptomatic plaques analyzed, but only very weak staining in the asymptomatic plaques (Figure 2). By quantitative image analysis, levels of PGES in symptomatic plaques significantly exceeded those in asymptomatic plaques (18.9±3.6% versus 4.1±1.6%, n=25, mean±SD; P<0.0001), corresponding to the content of macrophages (Table). PGES localized prominently in the shoulder region of the plaque and in the periphery of the lipid core, areas characterized as macrophage-rich.

PGES Is Expressed in Higher Amounts in Symptomatic Plaques
Only weak PGES expression was observed in asymptomatic plaques by Western blot (Figure 3A). In contrast, a 6-fold higher signal was demonstrated in symptomatic plaques (5482±136 versus 1028±542 DU, n=25, mean±SD; P<0.0001).

Atherosclerotic Plaques Contain Immunoreactive MMP-2 and MMP-9
Plaques stained for both MMPs tested. Staining was significantly more abundant in the symptomatic lesions than in those of asymptomatic patients (Figure 2). By quantitative analysis, levels (n=25, mean±SD) of MMP-2 as well as MMP-9 in symptomatic plaques (23.7±5.6% and 25.2±6.1%, respectively) significantly exceeded (P<0.0001) those in asymptomatic plaques (8.3±2.5% and 8.8±3.3%, respectively), corresponding to the content of macrophages (Table). Immunoreactivity localized especially in the shoulder and the fibrous cap of the lesions, corresponding to areas of intense macrophage infiltration.

Symptomatic Plaques Contain Activated MMPs
The increased (P<0.0001) MMP-2 and MMP-9 immunoreactivity documented in symptomatic plaques by Western blot (5746±263 versus 2522±321 and 5980±722 versus 3562±981 DU, respectively; n=25, mean±SD) (Figure 4) does not necessarily correspond to augmented enzymatic activity, because all MMPs require activation before they can digest their substrate.14 Thus, we used zymography to demonstrate that extracts from symptomatic plaques contained the activated form of MMP-2 (Figure 4) and MMP-9. In contrast, only weak positivity for activated MMPs was observed in asymptomatic plaques. Thus, the amount (n=25, mean±SD) of inactive and active MMP-2 (4622±322 versus 1244±932 and 2522±348 versus 822±391 DU, respectively) and MMP-9 (4136±829 versus 2136±788 and 2788±1036 versus 1181±961 DU, respectively) was significantly higher (P<0.0001) in the symptomatic plaques.



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Figure 4. Western blot for MMP-2 (A) and identification of gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 (B) by zymography in plaque extracts. Similar results were observed for MMP-9 (data not shown).

Colocalization of COX-2, PGES, and MMPs in Macrophages in Symptomatic Plaques
In the first experiment, serial sections of symptomatic plaques were incubated with the primary antibodies anti-CD68, anti–COX-2, anti-PGES, anti–MMP-2, and anti–MMP-9 (Figure 5). Within the lesion, all enzymes accumulated in the shoulder as well as in the periphery of the lipid core. In the second experiment, immunofluorescence double-labeling associated the expression of PGES with COX-2 and MMPs in CD68+ macrophages (Figure 6). Thus, these analyses confirmed the concomitant presence of COX-2, PGES, and MMPs in macrophages at the vulnerable region of symptomatic plaque.



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Figure 5. Consecutive immunostaining (x10) using serial sections of symptomatic plaques demonstrated that cells positive for CD68 were also positive for COX-2, PGES, and MMP-9. Similar results were observed for MMP-2 (data not shown). These results are typical of 25 symptomatic plaques.



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Figure 6. Fluorescence (x5) showed staining for PGES (green) on macrophages (red), concomitant with COX-2 and MMP-9 expression (red). Similar results were observed for MMP-2 (data not shown). These results are typical of 25 symptomatic plaques.

PGE2-Dependent Production of MMPs in Monocytes In Vitro
To determine whether monocyte MMP production is regulated through a PGE2-dependent pathway involving the concomitant induction of functionally coupled COX-2 and PGES, we initially examined the effect of NS-398 on MMP production (Figure 7). LPS caused a strong enhancement in COX-2, PGES, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels over those detected in control monocytes. COX-2 and MMP induction by LPS was significantly inhibited by NS-398; the inhibition of MMPs was reversed, however, by the addition of PGE2. Similar results were also observed when interleukin-1ß was used as stimulus. Thus, MMP production appears to be secondary to the induction of functionally coupled COX-2 and PGES and the subsequent generation of PGE2.



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Figure 7. PGE2-dependent MMP production in monocytes. Purified monocytes were cultured in presence or absence of NS-398 at indicated concentrations for 30 minutes, and then LPS and PGE2 were added to some cultures. Cultures were harvested at 48 hours for Western blot analysis.


*    Discussion
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In the present report, we provide evidence for the functionally coupled involvement of COX-2 and PGES in MMP overexpression in symptomatic human atherosclerotic plaques. In particular, the present findings are the first, to the best of our knowledge, to (1) identify evidence for PGES in human atherosclerotic lesions and (2) relate the pattern of the inducible COX/PGES pathway to an acute ischemic event often precipitated by rupture of atherosclerotic plaque.

Concomitantly higher expression of COX-2, PGES, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was found in specimens obtained from the "culprit" carotid lesions of patients with recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke compared with specimens obtained from asymptomatic patients. In fact, only 4 of 25 (16%) of the asymptomatic plaques exhibited an intensity of enzyme expression comparable to those observed in symptomatic plaques, whereas the remaining specimens demonstrated only weak positivity.

There are several possible explanations for why {approx}16% of asymptomatic plaques showed an enzyme expression comparable to those observed in plaques from patients with recent TIA or stroke. Postmortem studies15 suggest that plaque rupture is sometimes asymptomatic. Thus, silent plaque rupture resulting in nonocclusive thrombosis can occur in patients who do not develop the clinical hallmarks of any of the syndromes associated with plaque rupture. Accordingly, 2 of 4 asymptomatic patients in this study who nevertheless demonstrated high expression for COX-2, PGES, and MMPs have been in this category. Alternatively, the other patients, had they not undergone atherectomy, might have soon progressed to frank plaque rupture and one of the cerebral ischemic events.

In this study, macrophages were significantly more abundant in complicated plaques, always outnumbered the lymphocytes, and represented the major source of COX-2/PGES, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The site of inflammatory infiltration was always characterized by strong expression of HLA-DR antigens on inflammatory cells, which contrasted markedly with the low expression of HLA-DR elsewhere in the fibrous cap. Thus, these data suggest the presence of an active inflammatory reaction in symptomatic plaques. In fact, in agreement with the difference in COX-2/PGES and MMP staining pattern, the histological milieu of the lesions appears to be different with regard to cellularity, presence of foam cells, and cholesterol clefts but not in the degree of vessel stenosis, suggesting that asymptomatic and symptomatic lesions are different only with regard to inflammatory burden and that differences in plaque behavior stem from differences in the presence of as yet undetermined stimuli for specific expression of >=1 proteins capable of disrupting plaque stability.

Previous studies10,16,17 have reported COX-2 expression in atherosclerotic lesions. These studies, however, did not provide any evidence about the real involvement of COX-2 in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaque rupture. In fact, COX-2 is only an intermediate enzyme in the metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid, and the COX by-product PGH2 is further metabolized by other isomerases to various prostanoids (PGE2, PGD2, PGF2{alpha}, PGI2, thromboxane A2). Thus, the relative abundance of one specific prostanoid rather than another is the result of the expression and activity of its specific isomerase, and only the concomitant expression of functionally coupled COX-2 and PGES may lead to increased biosynthesis of PGE2-dependent MMPs in the setting of atherosclerotic plaque.

Interestingly, macrophages of the shoulder region contain most of the COX-2 protein within the lesion. This finding may have functional importance, because different cell types can regulate the production of different eicosanoids. Endothelium releases predominantly PGI2,18 an inhibitor of platelet activation and cholesterol accumulation,18 and Belton et al16 recently reported that COX-2 is responsible for the increase in PGI2 seen in patients with atherosclerosis. In contrast, macrophages, not present in normal arterial tissue, produce an array of prostanoids, including PGE2,19 considered one of the most atherogenic eicosanoids. The finding that COX-2 localizes predominantly with lesional macrophages agrees with observations in abdominal aortic aneurysms, in which macrophages also represent the majority of COX-expressing cells.20 Increased COX-2 expression within the plaque further agrees with reports describing COX-2 expression in atheroma-associated cells, including macrophages, on stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, tumor necrosis factor-{alpha}, and CD40L, mediators found within human atherosclerotic lesions.21

Recently, the intriguing and novel proatherogenic mechanism of the functionally coupled inducible COX/PGES has been supported by the demonstration that membrane-bound PGES expression is markedly induced by proinflammatory stimuli in various tissues and cells and is downregulated by dexamethasone, accompanied by changes in COX-2 expression and delayed PGE2 generation.22 Moreover, Jakobsson et al11 showed that COX-2 and PGES are coregulated in nucleated cells by inflammatory stimuli and that PGE2 biosynthesis may depend on the presence of both of these enzymes. In accordance with this, an inducible PGES activity has been described in LPS-stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages, which coincides with COX-2 expression and changes the product formation in favor of PGE2.23 Our study thus agrees with published data demonstrating a severalfold increase in PGE2 biosynthesis and COX-2 protein in A549 cells in response to IL-1ß24 and is the first to suggest that overexpression of the functionally coupled COX-2/PGES may realize a predominant pathway of arachidonate metabolism leading to increased biosynthesis of PGE2-dependent MMPs in the setting of human atherosclerotic plaque.

Prostanoids have potent actions on vascular SMCs, regulating contractility, cholesterol metabolism, and proliferation.25 Increased expression of COX might thus contribute to the accumulation of lipids in lesional SMCs (and macrophages), favoring formation of SMC- and macrophage-derived foam cells within atheroma. Conversely, antiproliferative and antimigratory26 actions of COX products on SMCs suggest potential contributions of the enzymes to the evolution of a lesion toward an SMC-depleted and macrophage-enriched, and thus more vulnerable, plaque. Furthermore, COX-2 can modulate angiogenesis by synthesis of angiogenic factors and neovessel formation. Consequently, COX-2 expression within the lesion contributes to the formation of new blood vessels, thus allowing the plaque to expand.27 More importantly, PGE2, a predominant eicosanoid of macrophages, induces the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, enzymes considered crucial in the degradation of plaque stability.7 Our description of these metalloproteinases in plaque regions that are COX-2/PGES–positive and found to be macrophage-enriched suggests that such regulation of MMP expression by COX products may operate in vivo. Furthermore, we found that asymptomatic plaques expressed substantially less COX-2/PGES and MMP than symptomatic lesions. Our results are in agreement with those of Loftus et al,6 demonstrating higher MMP-9 activity in unstable plaques. In contrast, because no previous works have established an association between MMP-2 and vulnerable plaques, further studies will be necessary to define the precise role of MMP-2 in the setting of plaque instability.

In conclusion, this study addresses the missing link between COX-2 overexpression and plaque instability by demonstrating the high prevalence of the functionally coupled COX-2/PGES in human atherosclerotic lesions and providing evidence that synthesis of the inducible COX/PGES by activated macrophages is associated with TIA and stroke, possibly by MMP-induced matrix degradation promoting plaque rupture. These findings are potentially important from a fundamental standpoint, because they indicate a pathogenetic role for the inducible COX/PGES in the evolution of atherosclerotic lesions. From a practical standpoint, these findings raise the possibility that the selective COX-2 inhibitors now currently available for clinical use or future PGES inhibitors might provide a novel form of therapy for plaque stabilization of patients with atherosclerotic disease and prevention of acute ischemic syndromes.


*    Acknowledgments
 
We are indebted to Carlo Patrono for helpful suggestions in the design of the study and preparation of the manuscript and to Beth Meade, Piero Musiani, Mauro Piantelli, and Manuela Iezzi for their expert assistance in the PGES analysis.

Received January 29, 2001; revision received May 1, 2001; accepted May 2, 2001.


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*References
 
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Cancer Prevention ResearchHome page
A. J. Duffield-Lillico, J. O. Boyle, X. K. Zhou, A. Ghosh, G. S. Butala, K. Subbaramaiah, R. A. Newman, J. D. Morrow, G. L. Milne, and A. J. Dannenberg
Levels of Prostaglandin E Metabolite and Leukotriene E4 Are Increased in the Urine of Smokers: Evidence that Celecoxib Shunts Arachidonic Acid into the 5-Lipoxygenase Pathway
Cancer Prevention Research, April 1, 2009; 2(4): 322 - 329.
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Eur Heart JHome page
D. Pons, F. R. de Vries, P. J. van den Elsen, B. T. Heijmans, P. H.A. Quax, and J. W. Jukema
Epigenetic histone acetylation modifiers in vascular remodelling: new targets for therapy in cardiovascular disease
Eur. Heart J., February 1, 2009; 30(3): 266 - 277.
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Cardiovasc ResHome page
N. Foudi, L. Louedec, T. Cachina, C. Brink, and X. Norel
Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition directly increases human vascular reactivity to norepinephrine during acute inflammation
Cardiovasc Res, February 1, 2009; 81(2): 269 - 277.
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Cardiovasc ResHome page
E. Sanchez-Galan, A. Gomez-Hernandez, C. Vidal, J. L. Martin-Ventura, L. M. Blanco-Colio, B. Munoz-Garcia, L. Ortega, J. Egido, and J. Tunon
Leukotriene B4 enhances the activity of nuclear factor-{kappa}B pathway through BLT1 and BLT2 receptors in atherosclerosis
Cardiovasc Res, January 1, 2009; 81(1): 216 - 225.
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JPEN J Parenter Enteral NutrHome page
S. N. Meydani and D. Wu
Nutrition and Age-Associated Inflammation: Implications for Disease Prevention
JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, November 1, 2008; 32(6): 626 - 629.
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HypertensionHome page
R. S. Deeb, R. K. Upmacis, B. D. Lamon, S. S. Gross, and D. P. Hajjar
Maintaining Equilibrium by Selective Targeting of Cyclooxygenase Pathways: Promising Offensives Against Vascular Injury
Hypertension, January 1, 2008; 51(1): 1 - 7.
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Mol. Cell. Biol.Home page
L. Ravaux, C. Denoyelle, C. Monne, I. Limon, M. Raymondjean, and K. El Hadri
Inhibition of Interleukin-1{beta}-Induced Group IIA Secretory Phospholipase A2 Expression by Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Cooperation between PPAR{beta} and the Proto-Oncogene BCL-6
Mol. Cell. Biol., December 1, 2007; 27(23): 8374 - 8387.
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Pharmacol. Rev.Home page
B. Samuelsson, R. Morgenstern, and P.-J. Jakobsson
Membrane Prostaglandin E Synthase-1: A Novel Therapeutic Target
Pharmacol. Rev., September 1, 2007; 59(3): 207 - 224.
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FASEB J.Home page
A. Habib, I. Shamseddeen, M. S. Nasrallah, T. A. Antoun, G. Nemer, J. Bertoglio, R. Badreddine, and K. F. Badr
Modulation of COX-2 expression by statins in human monocytic cells
FASEB J, June 1, 2007; 21(8): 1665 - 1674.
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Clin. Chem.Home page
J. H.Y. Wu, N. C. Ward, A. P. Indrawan, C.-A. Almeida, J. M. Hodgson, J. M. Proudfoot, I. B. Puddey, and K. D. Croft
Effects of {alpha}-Tocopherol and Mixed Tocopherol Supplementation on Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes
Clin. Chem., March 1, 2007; 53(3): 511 - 519.
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JEMHome page
S. Gross, P. Tilly, D. Hentsch, J.-L. Vonesch, and J.-E. Fabre
Vascular wall-produced prostaglandin E2 exacerbates arterial thrombosis and atherothrombosis through platelet EP3 receptors
J. Exp. Med., February 19, 2007; 204(2): 311 - 320.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
C. Cuccurullo, A. Iezzi, M. L. Fazia, D. De Cesare, A. Di Francesco, R. Muraro, R. Bei, S. Ucchino, F. Spigonardo, F. Chiarelli, et al.
Suppression of Rage as a Basis of Simvastatin-Dependent Plaque Stabilization in Type 2 Diabetes
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., December 1, 2006; 26(12): 2716 - 2723.
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Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USAHome page
M. Massaro, A. Habib, L. Lubrano, S. D. Turco, G. Lazzerini, T. Bourcier, B. B. Weksler, and R. De Caterina
The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoate attenuates endothelial cyclooxygenase-2 induction through both NADP(H) oxidase and PKC{varepsilon} inhibition
PNAS, October 10, 2006; 103(41): 15184 - 15189.
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Ann. Surg. Oncol.Home page
H.-W. Wang, C.-T. Hsueh, C.-F. J. Lin, T.-Y. Chou, W.-H. Hsu, L.-S. Wang, and Y.-C. Wu
Clinical Implications of Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 Overexpression in Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Ann. Surg. Oncol., September 1, 2006; 13(9): 1224 - 1234.
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Diabetes CareHome page
Z. T. Bloomgarden
Third Annual World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome: Atherothrombotic disease
Diabetes Care, August 1, 2006; 29(8): 1973 - 1980.
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FASEB J.Home page
A. Jaulmes, S. Thierry, B. Janvier, M. Raymondjean, and V. Marechal
Activation of sPLA2-IIA and PGE2 production by high mobility group protein B1 in vascular smooth muscle cells sensitized by IL-1{beta}
FASEB J, August 1, 2006; 20(10): 1727 - 1729.
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BloodHome page
W.-G. Deng, S.-T. Tang, H.-P. Tseng, and K. K. Wu
Melatonin suppresses macrophage cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by inhibiting p52 acetylation and binding
Blood, July 15, 2006; 108(2): 518 - 524.
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StrokeHome page
G. Stoll and M. Bendszus
Inflammation and Atherosclerosis: Novel Insights Into Plaque Formation and Destabilization
Stroke, July 1, 2006; 37(7): 1923 - 1932.
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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
R. Marfella, M. D'Amico, C. Di Filippo, A. Baldi, M. Siniscalchi, F. C. Sasso, M. Portoghese, O. Carbonara, B. Crescenzi, P. Sangiuolo, et al.
Increased Activity of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Patients With Symptomatic Carotid Disease Is Associated With Enhanced Inflammation and May Destabilize the Atherosclerotic Plaque: Effects of Rosiglitazone Treatment
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 20, 2006; 47(12): 2444 - 2455.
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N. Degousee, D. Angoulvant, S. Fazel, E. Stefanski, S. Saha, K. Iliescu, T. F. Lindsay, J. E. Fish, P. A. Marsden, R.-K. Li, et al.
c-Jun N-terminal Kinase-mediated Stabilization of Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-1 mRNA Regulates Delayed Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-1 Expression and Prostaglandin E2 Biosynthesis by Cardiomyocytes
J. Biol. Chem., June 16, 2006; 281(24): 16443 - 16452.
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Cardiovasc ResHome page
A. Alfranca, M. A. Iniguez, M. Fresno, and J. M. Redondo
Prostanoid signal transduction and gene expression in the endothelium: Role in cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovasc Res, June 1, 2006; 70(3): 446 - 456.
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Mol. Interv.Home page
B. Rocca
Targeting PGE2 Receptor Subtypes Rather Than Cyclooxygenases: A Bridge Over Troubled Water?
Mol. Interv., April 1, 2006; 6(2): 68 - 73.
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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
K. Leineweber, D. Bose, M. Vogelsang, M. Haude, R. Erbel, and G. Heusch
Intense Vasoconstriction in Response to Aspirate From Stented Saphenous Vein Aortocoronary Bypass Grafts
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 7, 2006; 47(5): 981 - 986.
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Circ. Res.Home page
K. Takayama, G. K. Sukhova, M. T. Chin, and P. Libby
A Novel Prostaglandin E Receptor 4-Associated Protein Participates in Antiinflammatory Signaling
Circ. Res., March 3, 2006; 98(4): 499 - 504.
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J. Biol. Chem.Home page
S. Pavlovic, B. Du, K. Sakamoto, K. M. F. Khan, C. Natarajan, R. M. Breyer, A. J. Dannenberg, and D. J. Falcone
Targeting Prostaglandin E2 Receptors as an Alternative Strategy to Block Cyclooxygenase-2-dependent Extracellular Matrix-induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression by Macrophages
J. Biol. Chem., February 10, 2006; 281(6): 3321 - 3328.
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Circ. Res.Home page
M. van den Boom, M. Sarbia, K. von Wnuck Lipinski, P. Mann, J. Meyer-Kirchrath, B.H. Rauch, K. Grabitz, B. Levkau, K. Schror, and J.W. Fischer
Differential Regulation of Hyaluronic Acid Synthase Isoforms in Human Saphenous Vein Smooth Muscle Cells: Possible Implications for Vein Graft Stenosis
Circ. Res., January 6, 2006; 98(1): 36 - 44.
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S Soumian, R Gibbs, A Davies, and C Albrecht
mRNA expression of genes involved in lipid efflux and matrix degradation in occlusive and ectatic atherosclerotic disease
J. Clin. Pathol., December 1, 2005; 58(12): 1255 - 1260.
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J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.Home page
Y. Moon, W. C. Glasgow, and T. E. Eling
Curcumin Suppresses Interleukin 1{beta}-Mediated Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase 1 by Altering Early Growth Response Gene 1 and Other Signaling Pathways
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., November 1, 2005; 315(2): 788 - 795.
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LupusHome page
F Cipollone
COX-2 and prostaglandins in atherosclerosis
Lupus, September 1, 2005; 14(9): 756 - 759.
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LupusHome page
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Pharmacological modulation of plaque instability
Lupus, September 1, 2005; 14(9): 769 - 772.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
F. Cipollone, M. L. Fazia, A. Iezzi, C. Cuccurullo, D. De Cesare, S. Ucchino, F. Spigonardo, A. Marchetti, F. Buttitta, L. Paloscia, et al.
Association Between Prostaglandin E Receptor Subtype EP4 Overexpression and Unstable Phenotype in Atherosclerotic Plaques in Human
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., September 1, 2005; 25(9): 1925 - 1931.
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CirculationHome page
M. Hermann, H. Krum, and F. Ruschitzka
To the Heart of the Matter: Coxibs, Smoking, and Cardiovascular Risk
Circulation, August 16, 2005; 112(7): 941 - 945.
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CirculationHome page
B. F. McAdam, D. Byrne, J. D. Morrow, and J. A. Oates
Contribution of Cyclooxygenase-2 to Elevated Biosynthesis of Thromboxane A2 and Prostacyclin in Cigarette Smokers
Circulation, August 16, 2005; 112(7): 1024 - 1029.
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CirculationHome page
E. M. Antman, D. DeMets, and J. Loscalzo
Cyclooxygenase Inhibition and Cardiovascular Risk
Circulation, August 2, 2005; 112(5): 759 - 770.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
F. Cipollone, A. Mezzetti, M. L. Fazia, C. Cuccurullo, A. Iezzi, S. Ucchino, F. Spigonardo, M. Bucci, F. Cuccurullo, S. M. Prescott, et al.
Association Between 5-Lipoxygenase Expression and Plaque Instability in Humans
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., August 1, 2005; 25(8): 1665 - 1670.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
K. K. Wu, J.-Y. Liou, and K. Cieslik
Transcriptional Control of COX-2 via C/EBP{beta}
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., April 1, 2005; 25(4): 679 - 685.
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Cardiovasc ResHome page
M. Vinals, I. Bermudez, G. Llaverias, M. Alegret, R. M. Sanchez, M. Vazquez-Carrera, and J. C. Laguna
Aspirin increases CD36, SR-BI, and ABCA1 expression in human THP-1 macrophages
Cardiovasc Res, April 1, 2005; 66(1): 141 - 149.
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ANGIOLOGYHome page
N. P. Kadoglou, S. S. Daskalopoulou, D. Perrea, and C. D. Liapis
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Diabetic Vascular Complications
Angiology, March 1, 2005; 56(2): 173 - 189.
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A. Virdis, R. Colucci, M. Fornai, C. Blandizzi, E. Duranti, S. Pinto, N. Bernardini, C. Segnani, L. Antonioli, S. Taddei, et al.
Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition Improves Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Endotoxic Shock: Role of Inducible Nitric-Oxide Synthase and Oxidative Stress
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., March 1, 2005; 312(3): 945 - 953.
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Eur Heart JHome page
O. Beloqui, J. A. Paramo, J. Orbe, A. Benito, I. Colina, A. Monasterio, and J. Diez
Monocyte cyclooxygenase-2 overactivity: a new marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic subjects with cardiovascular risk factors?
Eur. Heart J., January 2, 2005; 26(2): 153 - 158.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
C. Bulin, U. Albrecht, J.G. Bode, A.-A. Weber, K. Schror, B. Levkau, and J.W. Fischer
Differential Effects of Vasodilatory Prostaglandins on Focal Adhesions, Cytoskeletal Architecture, and Migration in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., January 1, 2005; 25(1): 84 - 89.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med.Home page
T. Tazaki, K. Minoguchi, T. Yokoe, K. T. R. Samson, H. Minoguchi, A. Tanaka, Y. Watanabe, and M. Adachi
Increased Levels and Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., December 15, 2004; 170(12): 1354 - 1359.
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CirculationHome page
P. Bogaty, J. M. Brophy, M. Noel, L. Boyer, S. Simard, F. Bertrand, and G. R. Dagenais
Impact of Prolonged Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition on Inflammatory Markers and Endothelial Function in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease and Raised C-Reactive Protein: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study
Circulation, August 24, 2004; 110(8): 934 - 939.
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Infect. Immun.Home page
J. Rodel, D. Prochnau, K. Prager, J. Baumert, K.-H. Schmidt, and E. Straube
Chlamydia pneumoniae Decreases Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation through Induction of Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis
Infect. Immun., August 1, 2004; 72(8): 4900 - 4904.
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CirculationHome page
K.J. Molloy, M.M. Thompson, J.L. Jones, E.C. Schwalbe, P.R.F. Bell, A.R. Naylor, and I.M. Loftus
Unstable Carotid Plaques Exhibit Raised Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Activity
Circulation, July 20, 2004; 110(3): 337 - 343.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
F. Cipollone, M. Fazia, A. Iezzi, G. Ciabattoni, B. Pini, C. Cuccurullo, S. Ucchino, F. Spigonardo, M. De Luca, C. Prontera, et al.
Balance Between PGD Synthase and PGE Synthase Is a Major Determinant of Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability in Humans
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., July 1, 2004; 24(7): 1259 - 1265.
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J. Biol. Chem.Home page
K. M. F. Khan, L. R. Howe, and D. J. Falcone
Extracellular Matrix-induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Regulates Macrophage Proteinase Expression
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S. Cheng, H. Afif, J. Martel-Pelletier, J.-P. Pelletier, X. Li, K. Farrajota, M. Lavigne, and H. Fahmi
Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor {gamma} Inhibits Interleukin-1{beta}-induced Membrane-associated Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-1 Expression in Human Synovial Fibroblasts by Interfering with Egr-1
J. Biol. Chem., May 21, 2004; 279(21): 22057 - 22065.
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JAMAHome page
F. Cipollone, E. Toniato, S. Martinotti, M. Fazia, A. Iezzi, C. Cuccurullo, B. Pini, S. Ursi, G. Vitullo, M. Averna, et al.
A Polymorphism in the Cyclooxygenase 2 Gene as an Inherited Protective Factor Against Myocardial Infarction and Stroke
JAMA, May 12, 2004; 291(18): 2221 - 2228.
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CirculationHome page
D. H. Solomon, S. Schneeweiss, R. J. Glynn, Y. Kiyota, R. Levin, H. Mogun, and J. Avorn
Relationship Between Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors and Acute Myocardial Infarction in Older Adults
Circulation, May 4, 2004; 109(17): 2068 - 2073.
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ChestHome page
D. Monakier, M. Mates, M. W. Klutstein, J. A. Balkin, B. Rudensky, D. Meerkin, and D. Tzivoni
Rofecoxib, a COX-2 Inhibitor, Lowers C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin-6 Levels in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
Chest, May 1, 2004; 125(5): 1610 - 1615.
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M. C. LaPointe, M. Mendez, A. Leung, Z. Tao, and X.-P. Yang
Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction in the mouse
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, April 1, 2004; 286(4): H1416 - H1424.
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CirculationHome page
F. Cipollone, M. Fazia, A. Iezzi, B. Pini, C. Cuccurullo, M. Zucchelli, D. de Cesare, S. Ucchino, F. Spigonardo, M. De Luca, et al.
Blockade of the Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques in Humans by Inhibiting Prostaglandin E2-Dependent Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity
Circulation, March 30, 2004; 109(12): 1482 - 1488.
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M. Sussmann, M. Sarbia, J. Meyer-Kirchrath, R.M. Nusing, K. Schror, and J.W. Fischer
Induction of Hyaluronic Acid Synthase 2 (HAS2) in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Vasodilatory Prostaglandins
Circ. Res., March 19, 2004; 94(5): 592 - 600.
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BloodHome page
W.-G. Deng, Y. Zhu, and K. K. Wu
Role of p300 and PCAF in regulating cyclooxygenase-2 promoter activation by inflammatory mediators
Blood, March 15, 2004; 103(6): 2135 - 2142.
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F. Cipollone, B. Rocca, and C. Patrono
Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression and Inhibition in Atherothrombosis
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., February 1, 2004; 24(2): 246 - 255.
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CirculationHome page
O. A. Belton, A. Duffy, S. Toomey, and D. J. Fitzgerald
Cyclooxygenase Isoforms and Platelet Vessel Wall Interactions in the Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mouse Model of Atherosclerosis
Circulation, December 16, 2003; 108(24): 3017 - 3023.
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M. Nie, L. Pang, H. Inoue, and A. J Knox
Transcriptional Regulation of Cyclooxygenase 2 by Bradykinin and Interleukin-1{beta} in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells: Involvement of Different Promoter Elements, Transcription Factors, and Histone H4 Acetylation
Mol. Cell. Biol., December 15, 2003; 23(24): 9233 - 9244.
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StrokeHome page
G. J. Hankey and J. W. Eikelboom
Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors: Are They Really Atherothrombotic, and If Not, Why Not?
Stroke, November 1, 2003; 34(11): 2736 - 2740.
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Cardiovasc ResHome page
S. S. Barbieri, S. Eligini, M. Brambilla, E. Tremoli, and S. Colli
Reactive oxygen species mediate cyclooxygenase-2 induction during monocyte to macrophage differentiation: critical role of NADPH oxidase
Cardiovasc Res, October 15, 2003; 60(1): 187 - 197.
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Cardiovasc ResHome page
F. Bea, E. Blessing, B. J Bennett, C. C. Kuo, L. A. Campbell, J. Kreuzer, and M. E Rosenfeld
Chronic inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 does not alter plaque composition in a mouse model of advanced unstable atherosclerosis
Cardiovasc Res, October 15, 2003; 60(1): 198 - 204.
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Cardiovasc ResHome page
C. B Jones, D. C Sane, and D. M Herrington
Matrix metalloproteinases: A review of their structure and role in acute coronary syndrome
Cardiovasc Res, October 1, 2003; 59(4): 812 - 823.
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CirculationHome page
F. Cipollone, A. Iezzi, M. Fazia, M. Zucchelli, B. Pini, C. Cuccurullo, D. De Cesare, G. De Blasis, R. Muraro, R. Bei, et al.
The Receptor RAGE as a Progression Factor Amplifying Arachidonate-Dependent Inflammatory and Proteolytic Response in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques: Role of Glycemic Control
Circulation, September 2, 2003; 108(9): 1070 - 1077.
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S. Thoren, R. Weinander, S. Saha, C. Jegerschold, P. L. Pettersson, B. Samuelsson, H. Hebert, M. Hamberg, R. Morgenstern, and P.-J. Jakobsson
Human Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1: PURIFICATION, FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION, AND PROJECTION STRUCTURE DETERMINATION
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E. Tuleja, F. Mejza, A. Cmiel, and A. Szczeklik
Effects of Cyclooxygenases Inhibitors on Vasoactive Prostanoids and Thrombin Generation at the Site of Microvascular Injury in Healthy Men
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., June 1, 2003; 23(6): 1111 - 1115.
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D. Rott, J. Zhu, M. S. Burnett, Y. i F. u Zhou, A. Zalles-Ganley, J. Ogunmakinwa, and S. E. Epstein
Effects of MF-tricyclic, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, on atherosclerosis progression and susceptibility to cytomegalovirus replication in apolipoprotein-E knockout mice
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., May 21, 2003; 41(10): 1812 - 1819.
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CirculationHome page
F. Cipollone, A. Ganci, A. Greco, M. R. Panara, M. Pasquale, D. Di Gregorio, E. Porreca, A. Mezzetti, F. Cuccurullo, and P. Patrignani
Modulation of Aspirin-Insensitive Eicosanoid Biosynthesis by 6-Methylprednisolone in Unstable Angina
Circulation, January 7, 2003; 107(1): 55 - 61.
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Cyclooxygenase-2 Is Induced in Monocytes by Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma and Oxidized Alkyl Phospholipids from Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein
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Cyclooxygenase Isozyme Expression and Intimal Hyperplasia in a Rat Model of Balloon Angioplasty
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CirculationHome page
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