C-reactive protein promotes vascular endothelial dysfunction partly via activating adipose tissue inflammation in hyperlipidemic rabbits.
Int J Cardiol 2013;
168:2397-403. [PMID:
23452887 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.01.158]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Endothelial dysfunction is the basic and original sign of atherogenesis. Some evidences show that C-reactive protein (CRP) and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) play a pivotal role in atherosclerosis. However, the effects of CRP on atherosclerosis and the related mechanisms require elucidation.
METHODS
The levels of basic total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, CRP, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were respectively measured in rabbits, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation function was also evaluated. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: PVAT(-) and PVAT(+) group (removing or keeping pericarotid adipose tissue (PCAT)). Both of the two groups were exposed to a high-fat diet for six-week, and then sustained CRP treatment was performed for a week, at this time point all the above parameters were remeasured. In addition, mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were respectively evaluated by Polymerase Chain Reaction and immunoblotting in PCAT and cultured adipocytes treated by CRP.
RESULTS
High-fat diet greatly increased the serum lipids and inflammatory markers, induced endothelial dysfunction and imbalance between NO and ET-1, increased mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1 and enhanced macrophage infiltration of PCAT. CRP treatment could further promote macrophage infiltration of PVAT, induce the imbalance between NO and ET-1, aggravate endothelial dysfunction especially in PVAT(+) arteries, and could also enhance the above-mentioned mRNA and protein expression in PCAT and cultured adipocytes.
CONCLUSIONS
CRP could significantly promote endothelial dysfunction in high-fat diet rabbits especially in PVAT(+) groups, which may be partly mediated by activating inflammatory reaction of adipose tissue.
Collapse