Soluble CD40 Ligand Promotes Macrophage Foam Cell Formation in the Etiology of Atherosclerosis

Cardiology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Yuan ◽  
Hongjie Fu ◽  
Lifen Ren ◽  
Haichang Wang ◽  
Wenyi Guo

Objective: High levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in the circulation have been suggested as an important indicator of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes. In the present study, we explored the role of sCD40L in the formation of foam cells. Methods: Lipid deposition and foam cell formation was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and Nile Red staining, respectively. Gene expressions were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. The interaction between CD40 and sCD40L were blocked by CD40 small interfering RNA or anti-CD40 antibody. Results: sCD40L significantly increased lipid deposition and foam cell formation associated with upregulation of scavenger receptor type A and CD36. Additionally, sCD40L increased adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 and cholesterol efflux, and activated NF-κB in macrophages. sCD40L promoted foam cell formation via CD40 ligation and disruption of the ligation between CD40 and CD40L either by small interfering RNA or by a blocking anti-CD40 antibody apparently inhibiting foam cell formation in response to sCD40L. Conclusion: Our data suggests a novel insight into the role of sCD40L in foam cell formation during atherosclerosis, which further confirms the importance of sCD40L in atherosclerosis and as a target for the treatment of this disease.

Author(s):  
Parimalanandhini Duraisamy ◽  
Sangeetha Ravi ◽  
Mahalakshmi Krishnan ◽  
Catherene M. Livya ◽  
Beulaja Manikandan ◽  
...  

: Atherosclerosis, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease is a global alarm causing mortality worldwide. Being a progressive disease in the arteries, it mainly causes recruitment of monocytes to the inflammatory sites and subside pathological conditions. Monocyte-derived macrophage mainly acts in foam cell formation by engorging the LDL molecules, oxidizes it into Ox-LDL and leads to plaque deposit development. Macrophages in general differentiate, proliferate and undergo apoptosis at the inflammatory site. Frequently two subtypes of macrophages M1 and M2 has to act crucially in balancing the micro-environmental conditions of endothelial cells in arteries. The productions of proinflammatory mediators like IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α by M1 macrophage has atherogenic properties majorly produced during the early progression of atherosclerotic plaques. To counteract cytokine productions and M1-M2 balance, secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) from plants act as a therapeutic agent in alleviating atherosclerosis progression. This review summarizes the fundamental role of the macrophage in atherosclerotic lesion formation along with its plasticity characteristic as well as recent therapeutic strategies using herbal components and anti-inflammatory cytokines as potential immunomodulators.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2529
Author(s):  
Amin Javadifar ◽  
Sahar Rastgoo ◽  
Maciej Banach ◽  
Tannaz Jamialahmadi ◽  
Thomas P. Johnston ◽  
...  

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of human cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality around the world. Various physiological and pathological processes are involved, including chronic inflammation, dysregulation of lipid metabolism, development of an environment characterized by oxidative stress and improper immune responses. Accordingly, the expansion of novel targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis is necessary. In this study, we focus on the role of foam cells in the development of atherosclerosis. The specific therapeutic goals associated with each stage in the formation of foam cells and the development of atherosclerosis will be considered. Processing and metabolism of cholesterol in the macrophage is one of the main steps in foam cell formation. Cholesterol processing involves lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification and cholesterol efflux, which ultimately leads to cholesterol equilibrium in the macrophage. Recently, many preclinical studies have appeared concerning the role of non-encoding RNAs in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Non-encoding RNAs, especially microRNAs, are considered regulators of lipid metabolism by affecting the expression of genes involved in the uptake (e.g., CD36 and LOX1) esterification (ACAT1) and efflux (ABCA1, ABCG1) of cholesterol. They are also able to regulate inflammatory pathways, produce cytokines and mediate foam cell apoptosis. We have reviewed important preclinical evidence of their therapeutic targeting in atherosclerosis, with a special focus on foam cell formation.


Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Grothusen ◽  
Harald Schuett ◽  
Stefan Lumpe ◽  
Andre Bleich ◽  
Silke Glage ◽  
...  

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the cardiovascular system which may result in myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. While the role of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in atherogenesis has been well characterized, the impact of their negative regulators, e.g. suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 remains to be elucidated. Deficiency of SOCS-1 leads to death 3 weeks post-partum due to an overwhelming inflammation caused by an uncontrolled signalling of interferon-gamma (IFNγ). This phenotype can be rescued by generating recombination activating gene (rag)-2, SOCS-1 double knock out (KO) mice lacking mature lymphocytes, the major source of IFNγ. Since the role of SOCS-1 during atherogenesis is unknown, we investigated the impact of a systemic SOCS-1 deficiency in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (ldlr) KO model of atherosclerosis. Material and Methods: socs-1 −/− /rag-2 −/− deficient mice were crossed with ldlr-KO animals. Mice were kept under sterile conditions on a normal chow diet. For in-vitro analyses, murine socs-1 −/− macrophages were stimulated with native low density lipoprotein (nLDL) or oxidized (ox)LDL. SOCS-1 expression was determined by quantitative PCR and western blot. Foam cell formation was determined by Oil red O staining. Results: socs-1 −/− /rag-2 −/− /ldlr −/− mice were born according to mendelian law. Tripel-KO mice showed a reduced weight and size, were more sensitive to bacterial infections and died within 120 days (N=17). Histological analyses revealed a systemic, necrotic, inflammation in Tripel-KO mice. All other genotypes developed no phenotype. In-vitro observations revealed that SOCS-1 mRNA and protein is upregulated in response to stimulation with oxLDL but not with nLDL. Foam cell formation of socs-1 −/− macrophages was increased compared to controls. Conclusion: SOCS-1 seemingly controls critical steps of atherogenesis by modulating foam cell formation in response to stimulation with oxLDL. SOCS-1 deficiency in the ldlr-KO mouse leads to a lethal inflammation. These observations suggest a critical role for SOCS-1 in the regulation of early inflammatory responses in atherogenesis.


2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 1069-1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
BJARNE ØSTERUD ◽  
EIRIK BJØRKLID

Østerud, Bjarne, and Eirik Bjørklid. Role of Monocytes in Atherogenesis. Physiol Rev 83: 1069-1112, 2003; 10.1152/physrev.00005.2003.—This review focuses on the role of monocytes in the early phase of atherogenesis, before foam cell formation. An emerging consensus underscores the importance of the cellular inflammatory system in atherogenesis. Initiation of the process apparently hinges on accumulating low-density lipoproteins (LDL) undergoing oxidation and glycation, providing stimuli for the release of monocyte attracting chemokines and for the upregulation of endothelial adhesive molecules. These conditions favor monocyte transmigration to the intima, where chemically modified, aggregated, or proteoglycan- or antibody-complexed LDL may be endocytotically internalized via scavenger receptors present on the emergent macrophage surface. The differentiating monocytes in concert with T lymphocytes exert a modulating effect on lipoproteins. These events propagate a series of reactions entailing generation of lipid peroxides and expression of chemokines, adhesion molecules, cytokines, and growth factors, thereby sustaining an ongoing inflammatory process leading ultimately to lesion formation. New data emerging from studies using transgenic animals, notably mice, have provided novel insights into many of the cellular interactions and signaling mechanisms involving monocytes/macrophages in the atherogenic processes. A number of these studies, focusing on mechanisms for monocyte activation and the roles of adhesive molecules, chemokines, cytokines and growth factors, are addressed in this review.


2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 763-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ine Wolfs ◽  
Marjo Donners ◽  
Menno de Winther

SummaryThe phenotype of macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions can vary dramatically, from a large lipid laden foam cell to a small inflammatory cell. Classically, the concept of macrophage heterogeneity discriminates between two extremes called either pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages or anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Polarisation of plaque macrophages is predominantly determined by the local micro-environment present in the atherosclerotic lesion and is rather more complex than typically described by the M1/M2 paradigm. In this review we will discuss the role of various polarising factors in regulating the phenotypical state of plaque macrophages. We will focus on two main levels of phenotype regulation, one determined by differentiation factors produced in the lesion and the other determined by T-cell-derived polarising cytokines. With foam cell formation being a key characteristic of macrophages during atherosclerosis initiation and progression, these polarisation factors will also be linked to lipid handling of macrophages.


2012 ◽  
pp. n/a-n/a
Author(s):  
Yazdani B. Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb ◽  
Nasi Huang ◽  
Michael T. Baer ◽  
Frank C. Gibson

1999 ◽  
Vol 144 ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
D. Milosavljevic ◽  
M. Antonucci ◽  
M.J. Chapman ◽  
S. Griglio

2019 ◽  
Vol 317 (6) ◽  
pp. E1055-E1062
Author(s):  
Dandan Huang ◽  
Xiaoxiang Mao ◽  
Jiangtong Peng ◽  
Min Cheng ◽  
Tao Bai ◽  
...  

Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (AZGP1) is a newly identified adipokine that is associated with lipid metabolism and vascular fibrosis. Although adipokines contribute to lipid dysfunction and its related diseases, including stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD), the role of AZGP1 remains unclear. In this study, the role of AZGP1 in atherosclerosis and CHD was investigated. Serum AZGP1 levels from control ( n = 84) and CHD ( n = 91) patients were examined by ELISA and its relationship with various clinical parameters was analyzed. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of AZGP1 and its receptor in coronary atherosclerotic arteries. THP-1 and human embryonic kidney 293 cells were used to verify its anti-inflammatory role in atherosclerosis. Serum AZGP1 levels in CHD patients were lower than controls ( P < 0.01) and independently associated with CHD prevalence ( P = 0.021). AZGP1 levels also inversely correlated with the Gensini score. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that AZGP1 and its receptor β3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR) colocalized in lipid-rich areas of atherosclerotic plaques, particularly around macrophages. In vitro, AZGP1 had no effect on foam cell formation but showed anti-inflammatory effects through its regulation of JNK/AP-1 signaling. In summary, AZGP1 is an anti-inflammatory agent that can be targeted for CHD treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Zierden ◽  
C Millarg ◽  
S Baldus ◽  
S Rosenkranz ◽  
E M Berghausen ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction and purpose Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of arteries and represents the main underlying cause of death worldwide. Macrophages are major drivers of atherosclerosis by ingestion of lipoproteins, foam cell formation, and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. Although macrophages outnumber other leukocytes in atherosclerotic plaques, T and B lymphocytes can shape the course of disease by promoting or mitigating inflammatory responses. Leukocytes highly express the phosphoinositide 3-kinase isoform delta (PI3Kd), exerting a key role in the regulation of immune responses including the activation, proliferation, differentiation, and effector function of lymphocytes. Since macrophages and lymphocytes are all major effectors of atherosclerosis, we aimed to understand the role of PI3Kd in these leukocytes during atherogenesis. Methods and results To investigate the role of haematopoietic PI3Kd in atherosclerosis, bone marrow from PI3Kd−/− or PI3Kd+/+ mice was transplanted into LDLR−/− mice. After 6 weeks of feeding on an atherogenic diet, PI3Kd−/− recipient LDLR−/− mice displayed significantly impaired CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell numbers, CD4+ T-cell activation, CD4+ effector T cells, and proatherogenic CD4+ T helper (Th) 1 responses in para-aortic lymph nodes and spleen compared with PI3Kd+/+ transplanted controls. Surprisingly, the net effect of PI3Kd deficiency was a substantial increase of aortic inflammation and atherosclerosis in LDLR−/− mice. Moreover, haematopoietic PI3Kd deficiency augmented macrophage accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques of LDLR−/− mice, whereas major macrophage functions including foam cell formation, efferocytosis, and cytokine secretion were unaffected by PI3Kd inactivation in these phagocytes. However, haematopoietic PI3Kd deficiency led to depletion of atheroprotective B-1 cells and reduction of proatherogenic B-2 cells in LDLR−/− mice. Moreover, haematopoietic PI3Kd deficiency caused a significant reduction of regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs) in plaques, para-aortic lymph nodes, and spleen of LDLR−/− mice. Furthermore, PI3Kd−/− Tregs exhibited reduced secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-b as well as impaired suppression of CD4+ T-cell proliferation. Consequently, adoptive transfer of PI3Kd+/+ Tregs fully constrains the atherosclerotic burden in PI3Kd−/− transplanted LDLR−/− mice without affecting B cell numbers. Conclusions We demonstrate that PI3Kd plays a crucial role in B lymphocytes, Th1 cells, and Tregs during atherogenesis. Lack of PI3Kd signalling in atheroprotective Treg responses outplays its impact on proatherogenic Th1 responses, thus leading to aggravated atherosclerosis. Hence, PI3Kd is a key regulator of Treg biology and thereby protects against atherosclerosis progression. Acknowledgement/Funding Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and the Marga and Walter Boll-Stiftung


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