Joumana Al Akhdar

Dr. Joumana Al Akhdar

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 March 2026 in Cells
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JAJoumana Al Akhdar
Joumana Al Akhdar
MYMelike Nur Yangın Yılmaz
Melike Nur Yangın Yılmaz
KBKEMAL Baysal
KEMAL Baysal
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of mortality, with vascular calcification (VC) as a major predictor of adverse outcomes. Although vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are established contributors, the role of endothelial cells (ECs), particularly via the endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and exosome signaling, remains less defined. Objective: This study investigated whether the gut microbiota-derived metabolite Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) induces EndMT in ECs and whether exosomes from TMAO-treated ECs regulate the VSMC phenotype and calcification. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to TMAO at physiological and pathological levels (10–50 µM). EndMT markers were analyzed by Western blotting and qPCR. Exosomes were isolated, characterized, and applied to HAVSMCs in graded doses. Osteogenic and contractile markers, β-catenin signaling, and calcification were quantified. Exosomal miR-30 and miR-222 were studied. Results: TMAO triggered dose-dependent EndMT, decreasing CD31/VE-cadherin and increasing α-SMA, N-cadherin, and vimentin. Exosomes from TMAO-treated ECs reprogrammed VSMCs, downregulating contractile proteins and upregulating RUNX2, OPN, TNAP, and β-catenin, causing calcium accumulation. These exosomes displayed elevated miR-222 and reduced miR-30, changes that activated β-catenin signaling and promoted the osteogenic reprogramming of VSMCs. Conclusions: Pathophysiological TMAO levels induce EndMT and mediate the formation of exosomes, which drive the osteogenic reprogramming and calcification of VSMCs.

27 September 2024 in European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
RKRacha Karaky
Racha Karaky
JAJoumana Al Akhdar
Joumana Al Akhdar
FSFatima Saab
Fatima Saab
BRBatoul Rostom
Batoul Rostom
Wassim Nasri ShebabyWassim Nasri Shebaby
Wassim Nasri Shebaby
Maité Maité Sylla-Iyarreta VeitíaMaité Maité Sylla-Iyarreta Veitía
Maité Maité Sylla-Iyarreta Veitía