Macrophage-Specific IGF-1 Overexpression Reduces CXCL12 Chemokine Levels and Suppresses Atherosclerotic Burden in Apoe-Deficient Mice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Snarski ◽  
Sergiy Sukhanov ◽  
Tadashi Yoshida ◽  
Yusuke Higashi ◽  
Svitlana Danchuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atherosclerotic Plaque ◽  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Foam Cells ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
Cellular Growth ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Atherosclerotic Burden ◽  
Lipid Efflux ◽  
Deficient Mice

Objective: IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) exerts pleiotropic effects including promotion of cellular growth, differentiation, survival, and anabolism. We have shown that systemic IGF-1 administration reduced atherosclerosis in Apoe −/ − (apolipoprotein E deficient) mice, and this effect was associated with a reduction in lesional macrophages and a decreased number of foam cells in the plaque. Almost all cell types secrete IGF-1, but the effect of macrophage-derived IGF-1 on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is poorly understood. We hypothesized that macrophage-derived IGF-1 will reduce atherosclerosis. Approach and Results: We created macrophage-specific IGF-1 overexpressing mice on an Apoe − / − background. Macrophage-specific IGF-1 overexpression reduced plaque macrophages, foam cells, and atherosclerotic burden and promoted features of stable atherosclerotic plaque. Macrophage-specific IGF1 mice had a reduction in monocyte infiltration into plaque, decreased expression of CXCL12 (CXC chemokine ligand 12), and upregulation of ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter 1), a cholesterol efflux regulator, in atherosclerotic plaque and in peritoneal macrophages. IGF-1 prevented oxidized lipid-induced CXCL12 upregulation and foam cell formation in cultured THP-1 macrophages and increased lipid efflux. We also found an increase in cholesterol efflux in macrophage-specific IGF1–derived peritoneal macrophages. Conclusions: Macrophage IGF-1 overexpression reduced atherosclerotic burden and increased features of plaque stability, likely via a reduction in CXCL12-mediated monocyte recruitment and an increase in ABCA1-dependent macrophage lipid efflux.

Abstract 168: The Acceleration of Foam Cell Formation by Chlamydia Pneumoniae Requires Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation and Il-1 Signaling

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gantsetseg Tumurkhuu ◽  
Jargalsaikhan Dagvadorj ◽  
Timothy R Crother ◽  
Kenichi Shimada ◽  
Moshe Arditi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Chlamydia Pneumoniae ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Abca1 Expression

Background & Objective: Foam cell formation (FCF) due to excessive accumulation of cholesterol by macrophages is a pathological hallmark of atherosclerosis. Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) promotes FCF in the presence of oxLDL, but the exact molecular mechanisms are still not completely delineated. Recent data indicates that the Nlrp3 inflammasome plays an important role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Here we investigated the role of the Nlrp3 inflammasome during the acceleration of FCF by Cp infection. Methods and Results: In order to determine if the NLRP3 inflammasome played a role in Cp infection induced acceleration of FCF, we treated resident peritoneal macrophages exposed to oxLDL and Cp with the IL-1R antagonist, Anakinra, to block IL-1 signaling. Treatment with Anakinra resulted in a significant reduction in FCF. Nlrp3-/-, Casp1-/-, and WT macrophages were also treated with live Cp in the presence or absence of oxLDL. We found that Nlrp3-/- and Casp1-/- macrophages had significantly less FCF compared with WT cells. Interestingly, both ABCA1 (cholesterol efflux transporter) and its transcription factor, liver X receptor (LXR-α), were increased in Nlrp3-/- and Casp1-/- macrophages compared with WT cells. Addition of rIL-1β to Nlrp3-/- macrophages led to a decrease in ABCA1 expression and greater FCF. Importantly, Il1r-/- macrophages also had greater ABCA1 expression and reduced FCF when exposed to oxLDL and Cp infection. Conclusion: These data suggest that Cp infection facilitates foam cell formation in the presence of oxLDL by producing NLRP3 dependent IL-1 cytokines, which then feed back on the macrophages and interferes with cholesterol efflux by negatively regulating ABCA1. In the absence of IL-1 signaling, the expression of ABCA1 is upregulated leading to greater cholesterol efflux and reduced FCF. Thus we have identified a novel regulatory loop controlling FCF. Understanding these interacting pathways will lead to new therapeutic strategies against atherosclerosis.

scholarly journals Retinoic acid induces macrophage cholesterol efflux and inhibits atherosclerotic plaque formation in apoE-deficient mice

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjing Zhou ◽  
Jiacheng Lin ◽  
Hongen Chen ◽  
Jingjing Wang ◽  
Yan Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dose Dependent

It has been suggested that retinoic acid (RA) has a potential role in the prevention of atherosclerotic CVD. In the present study, we used J774A.1 cell lines and primary peritoneal macrophages to investigate the protective effects of RA on foam cell formation and atherogenesis in apoE-deficient (apoE− / −) mice. A total of twenty male apoE− / − mice (n 10 animals per group), aged 8 weeks, were fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with vehicle or 9-cis-RA for 8 weeks. The atherosclerotic plaque area in the aortic sinus of mice in the 9-cis-RA group was 40·7 % less than that of mice in the control group (P< 0·01). Mouse peritoneal macrophages from the 9-cis-RA group had higher protein expression levels of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1) than those from the control group. Serum total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were lower in the 9-cis-RA group than in the control group (P< 0·05). In vitro studies showed that incubation of cholesterol-loaded J774A.1 macrophages with 9-cis-RA (0·1, 1 and 10 μmol/l) induced cholesterol efflux in a dose-dependent manner. The 9-cis-RA treatment markedly attenuated lipid accumulation in macrophages exposed to oxidised LDL. Moreover, treatment with 9-cis-RA significantly increased the protein expression levels of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in J774A.1 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, 9-cis-RA dose-dependently enhanced the protein expression level of liver X receptor-α (LXRα), the upstream regulator of ABCA1 and ABCG1. Taken together, the present results show that 9-cis-RA suppresses foam cell formation and prevents HFD-induced atherogenesis via the LXRα-dependent up-regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1.

Abstract 1455: Athero-protective Role of IL10 Involves Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in Macrophages

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinbing Han ◽  
Shiro Kitamoto ◽  
Qingyu Lian ◽  
William A Boisvert
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Foam Cells ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Lipid Uptake ◽  
Modified Ldl ◽  
Ldl Uptake ◽  
Inflammatory Molecules

Introduction Previous studies utilizing interleukin (IL)10-overexpressing mice and IL10-deficient mice have demonstrated an anti-atherogenic role of IL10. Internalization of modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) that leads to foam cell formation has long been considered one of the requisite initiating events in atherogenesis. We sought to determine if IL10 exerts its anti-atherogenic effect by modulating lipid metabolism in the macrophage. Methods & results In lipid uptake studies, IL10 substantially stimulated Dil-acetylated (Ac)LDL uptake by 187% in murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. IL10 induced the expression of SR-AII and CD36 by 15.1 fold and 6.5 fold, respectively, in macrophage-derived foam cells. Moreover, CD36 protein levels were increased by IL10, suggesting that these scavenger receptors account, at least in part, for the increase in modified LDL uptake by the macrophages. Accordingly, IL10 treatment for 24hr significantly increased cholesteryl ester content by 1.5 folds compared with untreated controls (p<0.05). Interestingly, IL10 also markedly promoted ATP-binding cassette protein A1 (ABCA1)-mediated free cholesterol efflux to lipid-free apoAI acting as a cholesterol acceptor. This was peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ-dependent because specific PPARγ antagonist GW9226 completely blocked the IL10-triggered cholesterol efflux to lipid-free apoAI. In addition, expression of pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNFα, MCP-1 and iCAM-1 was dramatically inhibited by IL10 in the lipid-laden foam cells. Using immunofluorescence assay of caspase 3 fragment and TUNEL assay, we demonstrated that IL10 significantly suppressed apoptosis of foam cells (27.3 ± 2.1% for AcLDL-treated cells vs. 8.3 ± 1.0 %for AcLDL plus IL10-treated cells, n=8). Conclusion Our results indicate that IL10 can mediate both the uptake of cholesterol from modified LDL and the efflux of stored cholesterol. Therefore, IL10 may facilitate the removal of harmful atherogenic lipoprotein molecules from the vessel wall. These characteristics along with its ability to suppress the expression of inflammatory molecules and apoptosis of foam cells make IL10 a highly anti-atherogenic agent.

Abstract 126: Chlamydia Pneumoniae Induces Foam Cell Formation Of Macrophages By Activating The TLR4/TRIF/IRF3 Pathway

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Chen ◽  
Rosalinda Sorrentino ◽  
Kenichi Shimada ◽  
Timothy Crother ◽  
Moshe Arditi
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Control ◽  
Chlamydia Pneumoniae ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Foam Cells ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Toll Like Receptors ◽  
Macrophage Foam Cell

Background: Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) induces macrophage foam cell formation (FCF), a key event in early atherosclerosis, in the presence of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Recent studies have indicated the role of Toll-Like Receptors in atherogenesis. Liver X receptors (LXR) are nuclear receptors that play central roles in the transcriptional control of lipid metabolism and determinants of atherosclerosis. Induction of LXR-activated genes has also been shown to influence the pathogen pattern recognition activity of the Toll-like receptors 3 and 4 (TLR3/4). The TLR and the LXR pathways converge on the transcription factor IRF3. Objective: We hypothesized that TLR and the LXR and IRF3 pathways participate in CP infection mediated FCF and acceleration of atherosclerosis, and that the MyD88- independent pathway via TLR4/TRIF and IRF3 play a role in this acceleration. Methods: Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from C57BL/6 wild type (WT) mice, IRF3 −/− mice, TLR4 −/− mice and TRIF −/− mice. Cells were treated with UV killed CP (UVCP, 5x10 5 IFU) with or without ox-LDL (100 μg/ml) in the presence or absence of LXR agonist GW3965 (2nM). LPS (10 ng/ml) and PolyI:C (1μg/ml) were used as positive controls as TLR4 and TLR3 ligands, respectively. FCF was examined by Oil Red O staining. The percentages of foam cells in total macrophages were quantified. Results : FCF was significantly reduced in IRF3−/− cells compared with WT cells stimulated with UVCP plus ox-LDL. Foam cells induced by LPS with ox-LDL were also significantly reduced in IRF3−/− cells compared to WT cells (p<0.05). Furthermore, the synthetic LXR agonist GW3965 significantly diminished CP induced FCF in WT cells. FCF was significantly reduced in TLR4−/− and TRIF−/− macrophages compared to WT cells when stimulated with UVCP with ox-LDL (p<0.05). Conclusion : Chlamydia pneumoniae infection can activate the TLR4/TRIF/IRF3 pathway and does play an important role in CP- mediated foam cell formation in macrophages. Therefore, infections such as the one caused by CP, can trigger the TLR4/TRIF/IRF3 pathway leading to the down regulation of LXRs and shifting of cholesterol transport toward pro-foam cell production and thereby accelerating atherogenesis.. Supported by NIH grants AI 067995 and HL66436 to MA.

The Anti-Atherogenic Properties of Sesamin are Mediated via Improved Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux Through PPARγ1-LXRα and MAPK Signaling

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin F. Majdalawieh ◽  
Hyo-Sung Ro
Keyword(s):  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux

Background: Foam cell formation resulting from disrupted macrophage cholesterol efflux, which is triggered by PPARγ1 and LXRα, is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Sesamin and sesame oil exert anti-atherogenic effects in vivo. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying such effects are not fully understood. Aim: This study examines the potential effects of sesamin (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 μM) on PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity as well as macrophage cholesterol efflux. Methods: PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity are assessed by luciferase reporter assays. Macrophage cholesterol efflux is evaluated by ApoAI-specific cholesterol efflux assays. Results: The 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin up-regulated the expression of PPARγ1 (p< 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and LXRα (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 75 μM and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin led to 5.2-fold (p < 0.001) and 6.0-fold (p<0.001) increases in PPAR transcriptional activity and 3.9-fold (p< 0.001) and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001) increases in LXR transcriptional activity, respectively, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner via MAPK signaling. Consistently, 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin improved macrophage cholesterol efflux by 2.7-fold (p < 0.001), 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), respectively, via MAPK signaling. Conclusion: Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism(s) underlying sesamin’s anti-atherogenic effects, which seem to be due, at least in part, to its ability to up-regulate PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity, improving macrophage cholesterol efflux. We anticipate that sesamin may be used as a therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

scholarly journals Foam Cells as Therapeutic Targets in Atherosclerosis with a Focus on the Regulatory Roles of Non-Coding RNAs

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2529
Author(s):  
Amin Javadifar ◽  
Sahar Rastgoo ◽  
Maciej Banach ◽  
Tannaz Jamialahmadi ◽  
Thomas P. Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Foam Cells ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Lipid Uptake ◽  
Therapeutic Goals ◽  
Expression Of Genes

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.

scholarly journals Inhibitory effects of Mycoepoxydiene on macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaochun Xia ◽  
Yang Li ◽  
Qiang Su ◽  
Zhengrong Huang ◽  
Yuemao Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Macrophage Foam Cell ◽  
Deficient Mice

Abstract 43: Cholesterol Efflux Pathways Suppress Inflammasome Activation in Mice and Humans

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marit Westerterp ◽  
Panagiotis Fotakis ◽  
Mireille Ouimet ◽  
Andrea E Bochem ◽  
Hanrui Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux

Plasma high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) has several anti-atherogenic properties, including its key role in functioning as acceptor for ATP-binding cassette A1 and G1 (ABCA1 and ABCG1) mediated cholesterol efflux. We have shown previously that macrophage Abca1/g1 deficiency accelerates atherosclerosis, by enhancing foam cell formation and inflammatory cytokine expression in atherosclerotic plaques. Macrophage cholesterol accumulation activates the inflammasome, leading to caspase-1 cleavage, required for IL-1β and IL-18 secretion. Several studies have suggested that inflammasome activation accelerates atherogenesis. We hypothesized that macrophage Abca1/g1 deficiency activates the inflammasome. In Ldlr -/- mice fed a Western type diet (WTD), macrophage Abca1/g1 deficiency increased IL-1β and IL-18 plasma levels (2-fold; P <0.001), and induced caspase-1 cleavage. Deficiency of the inflammasome components Nlrp3 or caspase-1 in macrophage Abca1/g1 knockouts reversed the increase in plasma IL-18 levels ( P <0.001), indicating these changes were inflammasome dependent. We found that macrophage Abca1/g1 deficiency induced caspase-1 cleavage in splenic CD115 + monocytes and CD11b + macrophages. While mitochondrial ROS production or lysosomal function were not affected, macrophage Abca1/g1 deficiency led to an increased splenic population of monocytes (2.5-fold; P <0.01). Monocytes secrete ATP, and as a result, ATP secretion from total splenic cells was increased (2.5-fold; P <0.01), likely contributing to inflammasome activation. Caspase-1 deficiency decreased atherosclerosis in macrophage Abca1/g1 deficient Ldlr -/- mice fed WTD for 8 weeks (225822 vs 138606 μm 2 ; P <0.05). Of therapeutic interest, one injection of reconstituted HDL (100 mg/kg) in macrophage Abca1/g1 knockouts decreased plasma IL-18 levels ( P <0.05). Tangier disease patients, with a homozygous loss-of-function for ABCA1, showed increased IL-1β and IL-18 plasma levels (3-fold; P <0.001), suggesting that cholesterol efflux pathways also suppress inflammasome activation in humans. These findings suggest that macrophage cholesterol efflux pathways suppress inflammasome activation, possibly contributing to the anti-atherogenic effects of HDL treatment.

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