Wan Z, Fan Y, Liu X, Xue J, Han Z, Zhu C, Wang X. NLRP3 inflammasome promotes diabetes-induced endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2019;
12:1931-1942. [PMID:
31571967 PMCID:
PMC6759984 DOI:
10.2147/dmso.s222053]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
NLRP3 inflammasome can be activated by high glucose and links inflammation and metabolic disease. This study aimed to investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in hyperglycemia-induced endothelial inflammation and diabetic atherosclerosis.
METHODS
NLRP3 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and plasma IL-1β level were measured in diabetes patients. The activation of NLPR3 was detected in diabetic ApoE-/- mice and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
RESULTS
Compared with healthy controls, NLRP3 expression levels in PBMC and plasma IL-1β level were significantly higher in diabetes patients but considerably decreased after lifestyle interventions and medicine. Moreover, carotid atherosclerosis was significantly related to plasma IL-1β level in diabetes patients. In diabetic atherosclerosis mouse model, NLRP3 knockdown suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inhibited the expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in intima, reduced atherosclerosis and stabilized atherosclerotic plaque. In vitro, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components and the secretion of IL-1β were augmented by high glucose in HUVECs. Moreover, either high glucose or IL-1β promoted the expression of adhesion molecules, which were suppressed by NLRP3 knockdown or IL-1β receptor antagonist.
CONCLUSION
These findings provide novel insights into pathological mechanisms of diabetic atherosclerosis and have potential therapeutic implications for cardiovascular complications in diabetes.
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