Oxidized low-density lipoprotein induces differentiation of RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line into dendritic-like cells

Expression profiles of microRNAs in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Macrophage-derived foam cells were one of the hallmarks of atherosclerosis, and microRNAs played an important role in the formation of foam cells. In order to explore the roles of miRNA in the formation of foam cells, we investigated miRNA expression profiles in foam cells through high-throughput sequencing technology. A total of 84 miRNAs were differentially expressed between RAW 264.7 macrophages and foam cells induced by ox-LDL. Thirty miRNAs were upregulated and 54 miRNAs were downregulated. GO terms and KEGG pathways analysis revealed that the target genes of most of DE miRNAs were mainly enriched in "cell differentiation," "endocytosis," "MAPK signaling pathway," and "FoxO signaling pathway." The target genes of some DE miRNAs were enriched in "Insulin signaling pathway," "Hippo signaling pathway," "TNF signaling pathway," "NF-kappa B signaling pathway," and "cell death." Using bioinformatics analyses and dual-luciferase reporter assays, we found that miR-28a-5p and miR-30c-1-3p directly inhibited LRAD3 and LOX-1 mRNA expression through targeting the 3'UTR of LRAD3 and LOX-1 mRNA, respectively. Our study indicates that miRNAs are extensively involved in the formation of foam cells, and provides a valuable resource for further study the role of miRNAs in atherosclerosis.

Identification of the histone lysine demethylase KDM4A/JMJD2A as a novel epigenetic target in M1 macrophage polarization induced by oxidized LDL

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) induces macrophage activation, an event essential for atherosclerosis. Emerging evidence supports that epigenetic regulation plays important roles in macrophage activation and function. However, it remains unclear which epigenetic modulator is responsible for oxLDL-induced macrophage activation. Here, we identify for the first time KDM4A (JMJD2A) as an epigenetic modifying enzyme that controls oxLDL-induced pro-inflammatory M1 polarization of macrophages. OxLDL triggered M1 polarization of murine and human macrophages, characterized by expression of iNOS and robust production of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β). In contrast, protein level of the M2 marker Arg1 was clearly decreased after treated with oxLDL. Notably, exposure to oxLDL resulted in markedly increased expression of KDM4A in macrophages. Functionally, shRNA knockdown of KDM4A significantly impaired M1 polarization and expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by oxLDL, accompanied by increased expression of Arg1 and VEGF. However, inhibition of KDM4A by shRNA or the pan-selective KDM inhibitor JIB-04 did not affect oxLDL-mediated activation of the NF-κB and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathways, and vice versa. In addition, JIB-04 induced apoptosis of macrophages in a dose-dependent manner, an event attenuated by oxLDL. Together, these findings argue that KDM4A might represent a novel epigenetic modulator that acts to direct oxLDL-induced M1 polarization of macrophages, while its up-regulation is independent of NF-κB and HIF activation, two signals critical for pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages. They also suggest that KDM4A might serve as a potential target for epigenetic therapy in prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis.

OxLDL receptor chromatography from live human U937 cells identifies SYK(L) that regulates phagocytosis of oxLDL

The binding and activation of macrophages by microscopic aggregates of oxLDL in the intima of the arteries may be an important step towards atherosclerosis leading to heart attack and stroke. Microbeads coated with oxLDL were used to activate, capture and isolate the oxLDL receptor complex from the surface of live cells. Analysis of the resulting tryptic peptides by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry revealed the Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (SYK), and many of SYK's known interaction network including Fc receptors (FCGR2A, FCER1G and FCGR1A) Toll receptor 4 (TLR4), receptor kinases like EGFRs, as well as RNA binding and metabolism proteins. High-intensity precursor ions (∼9*E3 to 2*E5 counts) were correlated to peptides and specific phosphopeptides from long isoform of SYK (SYK-L) by the SEQUEST, OMSSA and X!TANDEM algorithms. Peptides or phosphopeptides from SYK were observed with the oxLDL-microbeads. Pharmacological inhibitors of SYK activity significantly reduced the engulfment of oxLDL microbeads in the presence of serum factors, but had little effect on IgG phagocytosis. Anti SYK siRNA regulated oxLD engulfment in the context of serum factors and or SYK-L siRNA significantly inhibited engulfment of oxLDL microbeads, but not IgG microbeads.

IFN-γ ameliorates autoimmune encephalomyelitis by limiting myelin lipid peroxidation

Evidence has suggested both a pathogenic and a protective role for the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the mechanisms underlying the protective role of IFN-γ in EAE have not been fully resolved, particularly in the context of CNS antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In this study we examined the role of IFN-γ in myelin antigen uptake by CNS APCs during EAE. We found that myelin antigen colocalization with APCs was decreased substantially and that EAE was significantly more severe and showed a chronic-progressive course in IFN-γ knockout (IFN-γ-/-) or IFN-γ receptor knockout (IFN-γR-/-) mice as compared with WT animals. IFN-γ was a critical regulator of phagocytic/activating receptors on CNS APCs. Importantly, "free" myelin debris and lipid peroxidation activity at CNS lesions was increased in mice lacking IFN-γ signaling. Treatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine, a potent antioxidant, abolished lipid peroxidation activity and ameliorated EAE in IFN-γ-signaling-deficient mice. Taken together the data suggest a protective role for IFN-γ in EAE by regulating the removal of myelin debris by CNS APCs and thereby limiting the substrate available for the generation of neurotoxic lipid peroxidation products.

Orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 Inhibits Oxidized LDL-induced differentiation of RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line into dendritic like cells

Background

Nur77 is an orphan nuclear receptor expressed in human atheroma. In vascular cells in vitro, Nur77 expression is induced by pro-inflammatory factors, such as oxidized LDL (oxLDL).

Methods

We analyze the role of Nur77 in the oxLDL-induced differentiation of macrophages into dendritic cells (DC). The murine RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was stably transfected with expression plasmids encoding either GFP or GFP fusions with either full-length Nur77 (GFP-Nur77), Nur77 lacking the DNA binding domain (GFP-Nur77-ΔDBD) or Nur77 lacking the transactivation domain (GFP-Nur77-ΔTAD).

Results

GFP-Nur77 overexpression significantly suppressed the effect of oxLDL treatment on DC morphologic changes, expression of DC maturation markers, endocytic activity, allogeneic activation of T cell proliferation, and the activity and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Analysis of GFP-Nur77-ΔTAD and GFP-Nur77-ΔDBD indicated that the Nur77 DNA binding and transactivation domains were both required for this effect. GFP-Nur77-ΔDBD consistently had the opposite effect to GFP-Nur77, increasing DC-type differentiation in all assays. Interestingly, GFP-Nur77-ΔDBD protein was cytosolic, whereas GFP-Nur77 and GFP-Nur77-ΔTAD were both nuclear.

Conclusions

These data show that GFP-Nur77 inhibited differentiation of oxLDL-treated macrophages into DC. The effects of Nur77 on the macrophage phenotype may involve changes in its subcellular distribution.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12865-014-0054-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Interleukin-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor mediates the upregulation of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 in RAW264.7 cells-a process in which p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling has an important role

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR1) antagonizes angiogenesis by inhibiting the biological function of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Immature dendritic cells (imDCs) express high levels of sVEGFR1 during development and are antiangiogenic. This study aimed to investigate the changes in VEGFR1, sVEGFR1, and VEGF levels during the development of imDCs and explore the underlying signaling mechanisms.

METHODS

To model the differentiation of imDCs from monocytes, RAW264.7 cells, a murine monocyte/macrophage cell line, were stimulated by interleukin-4 (IL-4; 10 ng/mL, 20 ng/mL, and 40 ng/mL) and/or by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF; 10 ng/mL, 20 ng/mL, and 50 ng/mL) and/or pretreated by the p38 inhibitor SB203580. The levels of VEGFR1, sVEGFR1, and VEGF were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

IL-4 increased the VEGFR1 mRNA and sVEGFR1 levels in RAW264.7 (p < 0.05). This increase was inhibited by SB203580. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor increased the sVEGFR1 levels, but it had no significant effect on VEGFR1 mRNA levels. SB203580 decreased the expression of VEGFR1 mRNA induced by GM-CSF, whereas sVEGFR1 was unaffected. IL-4 had a greater effect on sVEGFR1 levels, compared to GM-CSF.

CONCLUSION

IL-4 and GM-CSF increased sVEGFR1 levels, but did not significantly effect VEGF expression, and led to the antiangiogenesis properties of monocytes. p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling has an important role in the process.

The role of heat shock proteins in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic, multifactorial disease that starts in youth, manifests clinically later in life, and can lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, claudication, and death. Although inflammatory processes have long been known to be involved in atherogenesis, interest in this subject has grown in the past 30-40 years. Animal experiments and human analyses of early atherosclerotic lesions have shown that the first pathogenic event in atherogenesis is the intimal infiltration of T cells at arterial branching points. These T cells recognize heat shock protein (HSP)60, which is expressed together with adhesion molecules by endothelial cells in response to classic risk factors for atherosclerosis. Although these HSP60-reactive T cells initiate atherosclerosis, antibodies to HSP60 accelerate and perpetuate the disease. All healthy humans develop cellular and humoral immunity against microbial HSP60 by infection or vaccination. Given that prokaryotic (bacterial) and eukaryotic (for instance, human) HSP60 display substantial sequence homology, atherosclerosis might be the price we pay for this protective immunity, if risk factors stress the vascular endothelial cells beyond physiological conditions.

Atorvastatin improves plaque stability in ApoE-knockout mice by regulating chemokines and chemokine receptors

It is well documented that statins protect atherosclerotic patients from inflammatory changes and plaque instability in coronary arteries. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Using a previously established mouse model for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, we investigated the effect of atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day) on plaque morphology. Atorvastatin did not lower plasma total cholesterol levels or affect plaque progression at this dosage; however, vulnerable plaque numbers were significantly reduced in the atorvastatin-treated group compared to control. Detailed examinations revealed that atorvastatin significantly decreased macrophage infiltration and subendothelial lipid deposition, reduced intimal collagen content, and elevated collagenase activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Because vascular inflammation is largely driven by changes in monocyte/macrophage numbers in the vessel wall, we speculated that the anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin may partially result from decreased monocyte recruitment to the endothelium. Further experiments showed that atorvastatin downregulated expression of the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1) and their receptors CCR2 and, CX3CR1, which are mainly responsible for monocyte recruitment. In addition, levels of the plasma inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were also significantly decrease in atorvastatin-treated mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that atorvastatin can improve plaque stability in mice independent of plasma cholesterol levels. Given the profound inhibition of macrophage infiltration into atherosclerotic plaques, we propose that statins may partly exert protective effects by modulating levels of chemokines and their receptors. These findings elucidate yet another atheroprotective mechanism of statins.

Dextran sulfate-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as a contrast agent for atherosclerosis imaging

The hallmark of atherosclerosis in its early pathogenic process is the overexpression of class A scavenger receptors (SR-A) by activated macrophages. In this study, dextran sulfate-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (DS-SPIONs), as a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent of atherosclerosis, was prepared via the facile co-precipitation method using a versatile double-hydrophilic block copolymer comprising of a DS segment (ligand for SR-A) and a poly(glyclerol methacrylate) segment (SPIONs surface-anchoring unit). The physicochemical properties of the DS-SPIONs were investigated using various instruments. DS-SPIONs exhibited high aqueous stability compared to dextran-coated SPIONs (Dex-SPIONs), which were used as controls. The cellular uptake behaviors of DS-SPIONs and Dex-SPIONs were evaluated using Prussian blue assay. Interestingly, the DS-SPIONs were effectively taken up by activated macrophages compared to Dex-SPIONs. However, the cellular uptake of DS-SPIONs by activated macrophages was remarkably reduced in the presence of free DS. These results suggest that activated macrophages internalize DS-SPIONs via receptor (SR-A)-mediated endocytosis. T2-weighted MR imaging of the cells demonstrated that activated macrophages treated with DS-SPIONs showed a significantly lower signal intensity compared to those treated with Dex-SPIONs. Overall, these results suggest that DS-SPIONs may be utilized as a potential contrast agent for atherosclerosis MR imaging.

Modified lipoproteins provide lipids that modulate dendritic cell immune function

Both physiological and pathological situations can result in biochemical changes of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Because they can deliver signals to dendritic cells (DC), these modified lipoproteins now appear as regulators of the immune response. Among these modified lipoproteins, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) that accumulate during inflammatory conditions have been extensively studied. Numerous studies have shown that oxLDL induce the maturation of DC, enhancing their ability to activate IFNγ secretion by T cells. LDL treated by secreted phospholipase A(2) also promote DC maturation. Among the bioactive lipids generated by oxidation or phospholipase treatment of LDL, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and some saturated fatty acids induce DC maturation whereas some unsaturated fatty acids or oxidized derivatives have opposite effects. Among other factors, the nuclear receptor peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) plays a crucial role in this regulation. Non-modified lipoproteins also contribute to the regulation of DC function, suggesting that the balance between native and modified lipoproteins, as well as the biochemical nature of the LDL modifications, can regulate the activation threshold of DC. Here we discuss two pathological situations in which the impact of LDL modifications on inflammation and immunity could play an important role. During atherosclerosis, modified LDL accumulating in the arterial intima may interfere with DC maturation and function, promoting a Th1 immune response and a local inflammation favoring the development of the pathology. In patients chronically infected, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) interferes with lipoprotein metabolism resulting in the production of infectious modified lipoproteins. These lipo-viral-particles (LVP) are modified low-density lipoproteins containing viral material that can alter DC maturation and affect specific toll-like receptor signaling. In conclusion, lipoprotein modifications play an important role in the regulation of immunity by delivering signals of danger to DC and modulating their function.

Atorvastatin suppresses inflammatory response induced by oxLDL through inhibition of ERK phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, and COX-2 expression in murine macrophages

Macrophages crosstalk with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), play a critical role in the initiation, progression, and subsequently stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Statins, inhibitors of HMG CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase, reduce the expression of inflammatory proteins in addition to their lipid-lowering action. However, the effect and detailed anti-inflammation mechanisms of statins in macrophages induced by oxLDL remain unclearly. In the present study, we investigated the effect of atorvastatin on inflammatory response upon oxLDL stimulation in murine macrophages and analyzed the underlying mechanisms. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA levels were assayed by real-time PCR. The expression of cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) was detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. While mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and IκBα degradation were determined by Western blotting. Our results showed that exposure of RAW264.7 cells to oxLDL, substantially changed the morphology of the cells and increased TNFα and MCP-1 secretion. While pretreatment with atorvastatin resulted in a significant inhibition of oxLDL-induced morphological alteration and inflammatory cytokines expression in a dose-dependent fashion. Further investigation of the molecular mechanism revealed that oxLDL upregulated the transcription and protein expression of COX-2 in a time-dependent manner. Whereas, pretreatment with atorvastatin suppressed COX-2 expression, MAPK activation and IκBα degradation. Thus, we conclude that the anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin is mediated through the inhibition of proinflammatory COX-2. Furthermore, suppression of ERK phosphorylation and IκBα degradation is involved in this regulation. Our findings provide a novel evidence that statins suppress inflammatory response, exert its anti-atherogenic actions via against inflammation beyond cholesterol-lowing effect.

Primary human monocyte differentiation regulated by Nigella sativa pressed oil

Background

Oxidized low density lipoprotein plays an important role in development of foam cells in atherosclerosis. The study was focused on regulation of primary human monocyte growth and CD11b expression in presence of Nigella sativa oil.

Methods

Primary human monocytes were isolated from whole blood and grown at 37°C and 5% CO2 saturation for five days prior to treatment with Nigella sativa oil. The cells were plated and washed before treatment with ox-LDL (10 μg/ml) as positive control and combined treatment of ox-LDL (10 μg/ml) and (140 ng/ml) Nigella sativa oil. The growth progression was monitored every 24 hours for 3 days.

Results

Macrophages showed reduced growth in comparison to monocytes 24 hours after treatment with Nigella sativa oil. The mean cell diameter was significantly different between untreated and treated condition in monocytes and macrophages (p < 0.001). Similarly, intracellular lipid accumulation was hindered in combined treatment with Nigella sativa oil. This was further supported by cell surface expression analysis, where CD11b was markedly reduced in cells treated with combination oxLDL and Nigella sativa oil compared to oxLDL alone. More cells differentiated into macrophage-like cells when monocytes were supplemented with oxidized LDL alone.

Conclusions

The finding provides preliminary evidence on regulation of cell growth and differentiation in monocyte and monocyte-derived macrophages by Nigella sativa oil. Further investigations need to be conducted to explain its mechanism in human monocyte.

Dendritic cells in human atherosclerosis: from circulation to atherosclerotic plaques

Background. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with atherosclerotic plaques containing inflammatory infiltrates predominantly consisting of monocytes/macrophages and activated T cells. More recent is the implication of dendritic cells (DCs) in the disease. Since DCs were demonstrated in human arteries in 1995, numerous studies in humans suggest a role for these professional antigen-presenting cells in atherosclerosis. Aim. This paper focuses on the observations made in blood and arteries of patients with atherosclerosis. In principal, flow cytometric analyses show that circulating myeloid (m) and plasmacytoid (p) DCs are diminished in coronary artery disease, while immunohistochemical studies describe increased intimal DC counts with evolving plaque stages. Moreover, mDCs and pDCs appear to behave differently in atherosclerosis. Yet, the origin of plaque DCs and their relationship with blood DCs are unknown. Therefore, several explanations for the observed changes are postulated. In addition, the technical challenges and discrepancies in the research field are discussed. Future. Future studies in humans, in combination with experimental animal studies will unravel mechanisms leading to altered blood and plaque DCs in atherosclerosis. As DCs are crucial for inducing but also dampening immune responses, understanding their life cycle, trafficking and function in atherosclerosis will determine potential use of DCs in antiatherogenic therapies.

The autoimmune concept of atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the recent data on the 'Autoimmune Concept of Atherosclerosis', according to which the first stage of this disease is due to an autoimmune reaction against arterial endothelial cells expressing heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and adhesion molecules when stressed by classical atherosclerosis risk factors. Special emphasis is put on oxidized low-density lipoproteins as early endothelial stressors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Plasma cholesterol and LDL levels considered 'normal' by the medical community are possibly too high from an evolutionary viewpoint. The proinflammatory milieu at sites of early atherosclerotic lesions could be conducive to oxidation of LDL in situ. LDL oxidation can also take place at nonvascular sites or in the circulation under general proinflammatory conditions explaining its proatherosclerotic role in 'normocholesterolemic' individuals.

SUMMARY

We hypothesize that the plasma cholesterol and LDL levels currently considered normal are evolutionarily too high. Cholesterol and/or oxidized low-density lipoprotein, even as a mild HSP60-inducing endothelial stressor, function as a ubiquitous risk factor. If this hypothesis is true, most members of developed societies might be at risk to develop atherosclerotic plaques at anti-HSP60-immunity-triggered intimal inflammatory foci, irrespective of the primary risk-factor(s).

Dendritic cells and their role in atherogenesis

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells with the unique ability of primary immune response initiation. DCs originate from bone marrow progenitors, which circulate in the peripheral blood and subsequently penetrate peripheral tissues, where they give rise to immature DCs. In peripheral tissues, DCs continuously monitor the microenvironment and, when the cells encounter 'danger' signals, DCs undergo differentiation and maturation. Maturing DCs usually migrate to lymphatic tissues, where they form contacts with T cells to initiate a primary immune response. DCs were identified in arteries in 1995 and since then, further knowledge has been gained about the peculiarities of vascular-associated DCs and their role in atherosclerosis. Immune reactions toward modified lipoproteins and other factors ignited by resident vascular DCs as well as by newly arrived DCs, which originate from blood monocytes, are believed to destabilize arterial homeostasis from very earlier stages of atherogenesis. There is a remarkable heterogeneity of DCs in atherosclerotic lesions. Some DCs mature and become capable of forming clusters with T cells directly within the arterial wall. The predictive value of the numbers of circulating DC precursors in coronary artery disease and in atherosclerosis has been assessed, and it has been shown that DCs have a role in plaque destabilization. Over recent decades, DCs have proven to be a valuable instrument in immunotherapy approaches against cancer and various autoimmune diseases, and this explains the demand that the accumulated knowledge be applied to the field of atherosclerosis immunotherapy.

The cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 protects against oxidized LDL-induced inflammatory response in murine macrophages

The endocannabinoid system has recently been attracted interest for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In this study, we investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced inflammatory response in macrophages. RAW264.7 mouse macrophages and peritoneal macrophages isolated from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to oxLDL with or without the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2. To assess the inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- alpha) levels were determined, and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B signaling pathways were assessed. We observed that: i) oxLDL strongly induced ROS generation and TNF- alpha secretion in murine macrophages; ii) oxLDL-induced TNF- alpha and ROS levels could be lowered considerably by WIN55,212-2 via inhibition of MAPK (ERK1/2) signaling and NF-kappa B activity; and iii) the effects of WIN55212-2 were attenuated by the selective CB2 receptor antagonist AM630. These results demonstrate the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in regulating the oxLDL-induced inflammatory response in macrophages, and indicate that the CB2 receptor may offer a novel pharmaceutical target for treating atherosclerosis.

Total panax notoginsenosides prevent atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice: Role of downregulation of CD40 and MMP-9 expression

Total panax notoginsenosides (TPNS) are the main active ingredients in San-Chi, the root of Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H. Chen, which belongs to the Araliaceae family and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat atherosclerosis. We investigated the effect of TPNS on serum lipid levels and cell differentiation antigen 40 (CD40) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression in atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout (apoE-KO) mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet. Twenty-four apoE-KO mice were divided into two groups, the ApoE-KO group and the ApoE-KO + TPNS group. TPNS (60 mg/kg) was orally administered daily for 12 weeks in ApoE-KO + TPNS group. After 12 weeks, blood and aortas were obtained. Serum levels of lipid were analyzed, serum oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) concentration, ratio of plaque area-to-vessel area and the expression of CD40 and MMP-9 were examined by ELISA, histological staining, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, respectively. It was observed in our study that serum levels of lipid and oxLDL, ratio of plaque area to vessel area, and expression of CD40 and MMP-9 were lower in the ApoE-KO + TPNS group than in the ApoE-KO group. These results suggest that TPNS could prevent atherosclerosis by lowering serum lipid levels and regulating vascular CD40 and MMP-9 expression. TPNS may have implications for clinical treatment of atherosclerosis vascular disease.

Macrophage heterogeneity in atherosclerotic plaques

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The varied behaviour of macrophages and foam cells during atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae prompt the question whether all these activities can be the property of a single cell population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Subsets of monocytes with distinct patterns of surface markers and behaviours during inflammation have recently been characterized and shown to have complementary roles during progression of atherosclerosis. A variety of macrophage phenotypes derived from these monocyte subsets in response to mediators of innate and acquired immunity have also been found in plaques. Based on functional properties and genomic signatures, they may have different impacts on facets of plaque development, including fibrous cap and lipid core formation.

SUMMARY

Monocyte and macrophage phenotypic diversity is important in atherogenesis. More work is needed to define consistent marker sets for the different foam cell phenotypes in experimental animals and humans. Cell tracking studies are needed to establish their relationship with monocyte subtypes. In addition, genetic and pharmacological manipulation of phenotypes will be useful to define their functions and exploit the resulting therapeutic potential.

Dendritic cells in atherosclerotic disease

Atherosclerosis has been considered a syndrome of dysregulated lipid storage until recent evidence has emphasized the critical contribution of the immune system. Dendritic cells (DC) are positioned at the interface of the innate and adaptive immune system. Recognition of danger signals in atheromas leads to DC activation. Activated DC regulate effector T cells which can kill plaque-resident cells and damage the plaque structure. Two types of DC have been identified in atherosclerotic lesions; classical myeloid DC (mDC) which mainly recognize bacterial signatures and plasmacytoid DC (pDC) which specialize in sensing viral fragments and have the unique potential of producing large amounts of type I interferon (IFN). In human atheromas, type I IFN upregulates expression of the cytotoxic molecule TRAIL which leads to apoptosis of plaque-resident cells. This review will elucidate the role of DC in atherogenesis and particularly in plaque rupture, the underlying pathophysiologic cause of myocardial infarction.