Multiple receptors for modified low density lipoproteins in mouse peritoneal macrophages: different uptake mechanisms for acetylated and oxidized low density lipoproteins

Construction and application of artificial lipoproteins using adiposomes

Lipoproteins are complex particles comprised of a neutral lipid core wrapped with a phospholipid monolayer membrane and apolipoproteins on the membrane, which is closely associated with metabolic diseases. To facilitate the elucidation of its formation and dynamics, as well as its applications, we developed an in vitro system in which adiposomes, consisting of a hydrophobic core encircled by a monolayer-phospholipid membrane, were engineered into artificial lipoproteins (ALPs) by recruiting one or more kinds of apolipoproteins, for example, apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I, ApoE, ApoA-IV, and ApoB. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the stability and biological activity of ALPs derived from adiposomes, which resembles native lipoproteins. Of note, adiposomes bearing ApoE were internalized via clathrin-mediated endocytosis following LDLR binding and were delivered to lysosomes. On the other hand, adiposomes bearing ApoA-IV mimicked the existing form of endogenous ApoA-IV and exhibited significant improvement in glucose tolerance in mice. In addition, the construction process was simple, precise, reproducible, as well as easy to adjust for mass production. With this experimental system, different apolipoproteins can be recruited to build ALPs for some biological goals and potential applications in biomedicine.

Pathogenic role of modified LDL antibodies and immune complexes in atherosclerosis

There is strong evidence supporting a key role of the adaptive immune response in atherosclerosis, given that both activated Th cells producing predominantly interferon-γ and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and the corresponding antibodies have been isolated from atheromatous plaques. Studies carried out using immune complexes (IC) prepared with human LDL and rabbit antibodies have demonstrated proatherogenic and pro-inflammatory properties, mostly dependent on the engagement of Fcγ receptors Ⅰ and Ⅱ in macrophages and macrophage-like cell lines. Following the development of a methodology for isolating modified LDL (mLDL) antibodies from serum and isolated IC, it was confirmed that antibodies reacting with oxLDL and advanced glycation end product-modified LDL are predominantly IgG of subtypes 1 and 3 and that mLDL IC prepared with human reagents possesses pro-inflammatory and proatherogenic properties. In previous studies, LDL separated from isolated IC has been analyzed for its modifications, and the reactivity of antibodies isolated from the same IC with different LDL modifications has been tested. Recently, we obtained strong evidence suggesting that the effects of mLDL IC on phagocytic cells are modulated by the composition of the mLDL. Clinical studies have shown that the level of mLDL in circulating IC is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and, in diabetic patients, other significant complications, such as nephropathy and retinopathy. In conclusion, there is convincing ex vivo and clinical data supporting the hypothesis that, in humans, the humoral immune response to mLDL is pathogenic rather than protective.

The Pathogenic Role of the Adaptive Immune Response to Modified LDL in Diabetes

The main causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetes are macro and microvascular complications, including atherosclerosis, nephropathy, and retinopathy. As the definition of atherosclerosis as a chronic inflammatory disease became widely accepted, it became important to define the triggers of vascular inflammation. Oxidative and other modifications of lipids and lipoproteins emerged as major pathogenic factors in atherosclerosis. Modified forms of LDL (mLDL) are pro-inflammatory by themselves, but, in addition, mLDLs including oxidized, malondialdehyde (MDA)-modified, and advanced glycation end (AGE)-product-modified LDL induce autoimmune responses in humans. The autoimmune response involves T cells in the arterial wall and synthesis of IgG antibodies. The IgG auto-antibodies that react with mLDLs generate immune complexes (IC) both intra and extravascularly, and those IC activate the complement system as well as phagocytic cells via the ligation of Fcγ receptors. In vitro studies proved that the pro-inflammatory activity of IC containing mLDL (mLDL-IC) is several-fold higher than that of the modified LDL molecules. Clinical studies support the pathogenic role of mLDL-IC in the development of macrovascular disease patients with diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, high levels of oxidized and AGE-LDL in IC were associated with internal carotid intima-media thickening and coronary calcification. In type 2 diabetes, high levels of MDA-LDL in IC predicted the occurrence of myocardial infarction. There is also evidence that mLDL-IC are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. The pathogenic role of mLDL-IC is not unique to diabetic patients, because those IC are also detected in non-diabetic individuals. But mLDL-IC are likely to reach higher concentrations and have a more prominent pathogenic role in diabetes due to increased antigenic load secondary to high oxidative stress and to enhanced autoimmune responses in type 1 diabetes.

Binding of [99mTc]chondroitin sulfate to scavenger receptors on human chondrocytes as compared to binding of oxidized [125I]LDL on human macrophages

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) used for treatment of osteoarthritis exerts distinct effects on human articular chondrocytes in vitro. We performed a binding analysis with 99mTc-labeled CS (Condrosulf, a commercial CS preparation containing calcium stearate) and cultured human chondrocytes in order to evaluate the presence of specific receptors. Saturation binding at 37 degrees C for 2 h revealed the presence of high-affinity binding sites for CS with a Kd of 2.3 x 10(-9) mol/L and a Bmax of 5.0 x 10(8). Extensive dialysis of Chondrosulf led to a decrease of the binding affinity by 52.5 +/- 19.5% and of the number of CS binding sites/cell by 62.0 +/- 14.0%, demonstrating that the additive present in the Condrosulf preparation enhances CS binding. The nature of the binding site is not yet known but evidence exists in the literature that the scavenger receptor CD36, thoroughly investigated on macrophages, is also found on chondrocytes and might be involved in CS binding. Therefore, we undertook a comparative binding study with human monocytes and labelled LDL and oxidized LDL, the latter being a postulated atherogenic agent in atherosclerosis. For [125I]-LDL binding we found a Kd of 0.45 x 10(-8) mol/L and a Bmax of 0.14 x 10(6) on quiescent monocytes and for [125I]-(ox)LDL binding a Kd of 1.8 x 10(-8) mol/L and a Bmax of 1.3 x 10(6) using LPS-activated monocytes. These data are comparable to the binding affinity found for lipoprotein-proteoglycan-complexes and hence are an indication but not a proof that CD36 is involved in CS binding to human chondrocytes.

Role of CD36, the macrophage class B scavenger receptor, in atherosclerosis

Recent work in the field of atherosclerosis has greatly expanded our knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease. Scavenger receptors, including CD36, are thought to be most important early in the disease progression during macrophage uptake of modified LDL and foam cell formation. Genetically engineered murine models have been used to elucidate the contribution of the different scavenger receptors, to identify specific ligands related to LDL modifications, and to assess the possible therapeutic ramifications of targeting scavenger receptors. We have demonstrated a major role for CD36 in macrophage foam cell development and subsequent lesion development in vivo. Absence of CD36 in an atherogenic Apo E null background resulted in a 70% decrease in total lesion area in Western diet-fed mice. We have also made significant progress in our understanding of the regulation of expression of CD36 and have demonstrated that OxLDL can stimulate its own uptake by induction of CD36 gene expression. The mechanism by which OxLDL upregulates CD36 involves activation of the transcription factor, PPAR-gamma.

Enhancement of macrophage survival and DNA synthesis by oxidized-low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-derived lipids and by aggregates of lightly oxidized LDL

Human atherosclerotic plaque contains a partially characterized range of normal and oxidized lipids formed mainly from free and esterified cholesterol and phospholipids, some of which can be located in macrophage-derived "foam" cells. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often considered as an important event leading to subsequent foam-cell development, which may also include enhanced cell survival and/or proliferation. The active component(s) in oxidized LDL (ox.LDL) causing macrophage proliferation is debated. We report here that the lipid component of ox.LDL can promote macrophage survival and DNA synthesis, the latter response showing a synergistic effect in the presence of low concentrations of macrophage colony-stimulating factor. 7-Ketocholesterol showed some stimulation of macrophage DNA synthesis whereas hypochlorite-oxidized (i.e. apolipoprotein B-oxidized) LDL did not. Plaque-derived lipids could enhance macrophage survival. It has not been proven that LDL in lesions is oxidized sufficiently to be the dominant source of sterols in vivo or to be able to induce macrophage growth in vitro or in vivo; it has been suggested that aggregation of modified LDL in vivo is an important step in the deposition of intracellular lipid. We found that aggregation of lightly oxidized LDL potentiated dramatically its ability to stimulate macrophage DNA synthesis, indicating that extensive oxidation of LDL is not required for this response in vitro and perhaps in vivo.

Recognition by macrophages and liver cells of opsonized phospholipid vesicles and phospholipid headgroups

The interaction of liposomes with blood proteins is believed to play a critical role in the clearance pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of intravenously injected liposomes. In this article we have focused our discussion on the interaction of liposomes with key blood proteins, which include immunoglobulins, complement proteins, apolipoproteins, fetuin, von Willebrand factor, and thrombospondin, and their role in liposome recognition by professional phagocytes and nonmacrophage hepatic cells. Alternatively, macrophages as well as hepatocytes and liver endothelial cells may phagocytose/endocytose liposomes via direct recognition of phospholipid headgroups. A number of plasma membrane receptors such as lectin receptors, CD14, various classes of scavenger receptors (e.g., classes A, B, and D), Fc-gammaRI and FcgammaRII-B2 may participate in phospholipid recognition. These concepts are also discussed.

Charting the fate of the "good cholesterol": identification and characterization of the high-density lipoprotein receptor SR-BI

Risk for cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis increases with increasing concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and is inversely proportional to the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The receptor-mediated control of plasma LDL levels has been well understood for over two decades and has been a focus for the pharmacologic treatment of hypercholesterolemia. In contrast, the first identification and characterization of a receptor that mediates cellular metabolism of HDL was only recently reported. This receptor, called scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), is a fatty acylated glycoprotein that can cluster in caveolae-like domains on the surfaces of cultured cells. SR-BI mediates selective lipid uptake from HDL to cells. The mechanism of selective lipid uptake is fundamentally different from that of classic receptor-mediated endocytic uptake via coated pits and vesicles (e.g. the LDL receptor pathway) in that it involves efficient receptor-mediated transfer of the lipids, but not the outer shell proteins, from HDL to cells. In mice, SR-BI plays a key role in determining the levels of plasma HDL cholesterol and in mediating the regulated, selective delivery of HDL-cholesterol to steroidogenic tissues and the liver. Significant alterations in SR-BI expression can result in cardiovascular and reproductive disorders. SR-BI may play a similar role in humans; thus, modulation of its activity may provide the basis of future approaches to the treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic disease.

The pathogenesis of foam cell formation: modified LDL stimulates uptake of co-incubated LDL via macropinocytosis

Previously, modified LDLs were shown to stimulate macropinocytosis in pigeon macrophages. Simultaneous intracellular trafficking of LDL and AcLDL, differentially labeled with colloidal gold, was done to determine whether uptake of LDL, which does not cause foam cell formation, was internalized via a separate route from AcLDL, which stimulates foam cell formation. AcLDL and LDL were followed at either low (12 microg/mL) concentrations near the saturation of high affinity binding sites or high (50 to 150 microg/mL) lipoprotein concentrations used to induce foam cell formation. The colloidal gold distribution and percentage of co-labeling as observed by transmission electron microscopy were determined for organelles involved with coated-pit endocytosis or macropinocytosis. LDL simultaneously incubated with AcLDL on macrophages at the low concentration was predominately internalized via coated-pit endocytosis. AcLDL was internalized via both coated-pit endocytosis and macropinocytosis at low concentration. At higher lipoprotein concentrations (50 to 150 microg/mL), AcLDL continued to be internalized via macropinocytosis. Interestingly, a significant portion of the co-incubated LDL, at high concentrations, also trafficked via macropinocytosis. LDL internalized by macropinosomes at high lipoprotein concentrations suggests that AcLDL-stimulated macropinocytosis might increase uptake of co-incubated lipoproteins. When (125)I-LDL was incubated with cold AcLDL, LDL degradation at 37 degrees C doubled, without a corresponding increase in cell association or total binding of LDL at 4 degrees C. These studies suggest that modified LDL-stimulated macropinocytosis is a mechanism for increased degradation of co-incubated LDL potentially leading to foam cell formation.

Structure and function of type I and II macrophage scavenger receptors

Type I and II macrophage scavenger receptors are implicated in the pathologic deposition of cholesterol during the atherogenesis. There is a charged collagen structure of type I and II receptors identified as a ligand binding domain, which can recognize a wide range of negatively charged macromolecules including oxidized LDL as well as damaged or apoptotic cells and pathogenic micro-organisms. After binding these ligands can be either internalized by endocytosis, phagocytosis, or remain at cell surface and mediate the adhesion. Under physiological condition, scavenger receptors serve to scavenge or clean up cellular debris and other related materials, as well as playing a role in the hosts defence. In pathological condition, they mediate the recruitment, activation and transformation of macrophages and other cells, which may be related to the development of atherosclerosis and to disorders caused by the accumulation of denatured materials, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Oxidized LDL and expression of monocyte adhesion molecules

Accumulation of substantial numbers of monocyte/macrophages, as well as activated T lymphocytes, in focal areas of arterial intima appears to be a hallmark of atherogenesis. Our report demonstrated that lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), a polar phospholipid component that is increased in atherogenic lipoproteins, such as oxidized LDL and remnants lipoproteins in diabetic and type III hyperlipidemic patients, can upregulate adhesion molecules for monocytes and T lymphocytes, and growth factors, such as heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and PDGF-A and B chains. Recently we identified the novel receptor for oxidized LDL, named Lox-1. Therefore in this paper we summarize the importance of the interaction between oxidized LDL and its receptor, LOX-1 in terms of early stage of atherogenesis.

Metabolism of modified LDL and foam cell formation in murine macrophage-like RAW 264 cells

The uptake of modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) by arterial macrophages is a key event in the atherogenesis. We studied 1) the uptake and degradation of modified LDL, 2) LDL recognition by specific receptors, and 3) the foam cell formation with murine macrophage-like RAW 264 cells in vitro. The cells took up and degraded effectively 125I-labeled acetylated LDL (Ac-LDL) and aggregated LDL (Aggr-LDL). Also oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) was taken up but it was degraded poorly. The degradation of 125I-Ac-LDL was efficiently competed by both unlabeled Ac-LDL and Ox-LDL, whereas the degradation of 125I-Ox-LDL was partially competed by unlabeled Ox-LDL and Aggr-LDL but not at all by unlabeled Ac-LDL. The incubation with increasing concentrations of Ac-LDL, Aggr-LDL or Ox-LDL resulted in marked foam cell formation in the RAW 264 cells. Ox-LDL was cytotoxic at 500 to 1000 microg/ml concentrations. The results show that RAW 264 cells have at least two classes of receptors for modified lipoproteins: one that recognizes both Ox-LDL and Ac-LDL, and is similar to the scavenger receptors, and another that recognizes Ox-LDL but not Ac-LDL. RAW 264 cells are a convenient model cell line for examining the metabolism of modified lipoproteins, not only that of Ac-LDL but also that of Ox-LDL and Aggr-LDL, and cellular accumulation of lipids derived from modified LDL.

CD36, a novel receptor for oxidized low-density lipoproteins, is highly expressed on lipid-laden macrophages in human atherosclerotic aorta

CD36 has been reported to be a receptor for oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL). In our previous study, the uptake of Ox-LDL in CD36-deficient macrophages was reduced by approximately 50% compared with that in control macrophages, suggesting an important role of CD36 as a receptor for Ox-LDL in humans. In the current study, we examined the immunohistochemical localization of CD36 in human aorta in comparison with that of scavenger receptor class A type I and type II (SRA). Cryostat sections were made from aortic tissues. For immunohistochemical staining, the following antibodies were used: (1) FA6-152, anti-CD36 antibody, and (2) SRI-2, which recognizes both type I and type II SRAs. Immunohistochemical staining for CD36 and SRA was performed using labeled streptavidin method. In macrophages scattered in aortic walls without atherosclerotic lesions, the expression of CD36 was hardly observed, whereas that of SRA was detected weakly but consistently. In contrast, in atherosclerotic lesions, macrophages around the core region showed a weak immunoreactivity to CD36 and a strong immunoreactivity to SRA. Furthermore, lipid-laden macrophages, which mainly existed in the core region, had a strongly positive immunoreactivity to CD36, but a low or moderate level of immunoreactivity to SRA. The distributions of CD36 and SRA were different from each other, and especially foamed, large-sized macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques tended to more abundantly express CD36 protein. These data demonstrate, for the first time, that the expression of both CD36 and SRA might be differentially regulated in aortic walls, and might play different roles in the formation of foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions.

Modified LDLs induce and bind to membrane ruffles on macrophages

Macrophage foam cell formation in vitro requires uptake of modified low density lipoproteins (LDL) such as acetylated LDL (AcLDL) and moderately oxidized LDL (OxLDL), or beta-migrating very low density lipoprotein (betaVLDL), a naturally occurring lipoprotein. Incubation ofmacrophages with AcLDL and OxLDL resulted in stimulation of membrane ruffle formation, while betaVLDL primarily resulted in increased numbers of microvilli. Time-lapse Allen video enhanced contrast differential interference contrast (AVEC-DIC) light microscopy and correlative whole mount intermediate-voltage transmission electron microscopy (IVEM) was used to examine the dynamics ofAcLDL stimulated membrane ruffling and membrane ruffle ultrastructure. Stereo 3D surface replicas confirmed that AcLDL bound to these AcLDL-induced membrane ruffles. Quantification of the plasma membrane surface area after incubation with AcLDL, betaVLDL or LDL confirmed that AcLDL stimulated membrane ruffling, while betaVLDL and LDL stimulated microvilli formation. These studies suggest that modified LDLs induce circular membrane ruffles and modified LDLs bind to these ligand-induced membrane ruffles.

Human platelets exclusively bind oxidized low density lipoprotein showing no specificity for acetylated low density lipoprotein

The widely studied macrophage scavenger receptor system is known to bind both acetylated low density lipoprotein and oxidized low density lipoprotein. Although only the latter ligand has been shown to occur in vivo, acetylated low density lipoprotein is often used to evaluate the contribution of scavenger receptors to different (patho)physiologic processes, assuming that all existing subtypes of scavenger receptors recognise both lipoproteins. In the present work, we identify human platelets as the first natural cell type to bind oxidized low density lipoprotein without showing specificity for acetylated low density lipoprotein. Consequently, platelets possess exclusive receptor(s) for oxidized low density lipoprotein distinct from the 'classical' scavenger receptor AI/AII. From the data presented in this work, we conclude that the class B scavenger receptor CD36 (GPIV) is responsible for this exclusive oxidized low density lipoprotein binding.

Receptors for oxidized low density lipoprotein

An increasing body of evidence indicates that oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. One of the first biologic actions of oxidized LDL to be identified in vitro was its ability to interact with the 'acetyl LDL receptor' discovered by Goldstein and Brown. Over the past decade, considerable progress has been made in identifying and characterizing cell-surface receptors for oxidized LDL. Most of these receptors are thought to be multifunctional because they interact with several structurally different ligands, and accordingly have been termed 'scavenger receptors'. The objective of this article is to review the most important publications dealing with structure, ligand specificity, regulation, and function of scavenger receptors.

Expression of lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1 in human and murine macrophages: upregulated expression by TNF-alpha

Uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and subsequent foam cell transformation have been implicated in early atherogenesis. Although multiple molecules, including class A and B scavenger receptors, have been identified as Ox-LDL receptors, additional receptors may also be involved in this process. Here, we provide evidence that lectin-like Ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), a novel Ox-LDL receptor initially identified in vascular endothelial cells, is also expressed in macrophages in humans and mice. Expression of LOX-1 can be induced after macrophage-like differentiation in vitro in human peripheral blood monocytes and the related cell line THP-1 cells. Furthermore, LOX-1 expression can also be detected in resident peritoneal macrophages, and can be upregulated by an inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha. These results suggest that LOX-1 in macrophages may play an important role in Ox-LDL uptake and subsequent foam cell formation in this cell type.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid enrichment enhances endothelial cell-induced low-density-lipoprotein peroxidation

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is an important feature in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. LDL modification by endothelial cells was studied after supplementation of the cells with oleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the n-6 and n-3 series. In terms of the lipid peroxidation product [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] content and diene level of the LDL particle, oleic acid had no significant effect, and linoleic acid was poorly effective. Gamma linolenic acid (C18:3,n-6) and arachidonic acid (C20:4,n-6) increased by about 1.6-1.9-fold the cell-mediated LDL modification. PUFA from the n-3 series, alpha linolenic acid (C18:3,n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5,n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6,n-3), induced a less marked effect (1. 3-1.6-fold increase). The relative electrophoretic mobility of the LDL particle and its degradation by macrophages were enhanced in parallel. Concomitantly, PUFA stimulated superoxide anion secretion by endothelial cells. The intracellular TBARS content was also increased by PUFA. Comparison of PUFA from the two series indicates a good correlation between LDL oxidative modification, superoxide anion secretion and intracellular lipid peroxidation. The lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E decreased the basal as well as the PUFA-stimulated LDL peroxidation. These results indicate that PUFAs with a high degree of unsaturation of the n-6 and n-3 series could accelerate cell-mediated LDL peroxidation and thus aggravate the atherosclerotic process.

The multiple roles of macrophage scavenger receptors (MSR) in vivo: resistance to atherosclerosis and susceptibility to infection in MSR knockout mice

Both type I and type II MSRs are integral membrane proteins containing a collagenous domain and elicit an extraordinarily wide range of ligand binding capability. They were found during the search for the molecule(s) responsible for the accumulation of modified LDL during atherogenesis. However, all prior the evidence relating to their physiological and pathophysiological roles in vivo had been indirect. Targeted disruption of the MSR gene results in a reduction in the size of atherosclerotic lesions in an apo E deficient animal. Macrophages from MSR deficient mice exhibit a marked decrease in modified LDL uptake in vitro, whereas modified LDL clearance from plasma remains normal, suggesting that there are alternative mechanisms for the uptake of modified LDL from the circulation. In addition, MSR knockout mice are more susceptible to L. monocytogenes and HSV-1 infection, indicating a role for MSR in host defense against various pathogens.

Maleylated-BSA enhances production of nitric oxide from macrophages

Maleylated-bovine serum albumin (maleyl-BSA) elicits transcription and secretion of a number of proinflammatory genes via ligation of the low-affinity scavenger receptor (SR) on macrophages. We now demonstrate that while neither maleyl-BSA, nor interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) alone induce nitric oxide (NO) production, when combined they promote release of NO from murine peritoneal macrophages. This effect was blocked by treatment with oxidized-low density lipoprotein. Maleyl-BSA activated NF-kappaB dimers capable of binding the NF-kappaBd sequence unique to the iNOS promoter, but this failed to induce significant new transcription or accumulation of iNOS mRNA. The combination of maleyl-BSA and IFN-gamma failed to demonstrate synergy at the transcriptional or mRNA levels, as these levels were comparable to those elicited by IFN-gamma alone. These studies suggest that the synergy in NO production between maleyl-BSA and IFN-gamma occurs after the accumulation of iNOS-specific mRNA, possibly at the translational or post-translational level.

Human monocyte-derived macrophages express an approximately 120-kD Ox-LDL binding protein with strong identity to CD68

A protein that specifically binds oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) has recently been characterized in mouse peritoneal macrophages and identified as macrosialin, a protein with a molecular weight of 95 kD. First, the present work shows that human monocyte-derived macrophages express a membrane protein with a molecular weight of approximately 120 kD that selectively binds Ox-LDL. Second, we tested whether this approximately 120-kD Ox-LDL binding protein had any relation to CD68, the human homologue of macrosialin. The following evidence was obtained to support the role of CD68 as an Ox-LDL binding protein: (1) Ligand blots with Ox-LDL and Western blots with Ki-M6, an anti-human CD68 monoclonal antibody, revealed a single band with a molecular weight of approximately 120 kD under reducing and nonreducing condition. (2) The expression patterns of the approximately 120-kD Ox-LDL binding membrane protein and of CD68 paralleled each other during monocyte/macrophage differentiation. (3) Digestion with N-glycosidase F demonstrated that both CD68 and the Ox-LDL binding protein are glycoproteins; both showed a similar shift of approximately 18 kD in apparent molecular weight. (4) CD68, probed with monoclonal antibody Ki-M6, and the approximately 120-kD Ox-LDL binding protein were coprecipitated with EMB11, another anti-CD68 antibody. About 5000 molecules of CD68 are expressed on the cell surface of human macrophages. Ligation of 125I-Ki-M6 to cells leads to its internalization and degradation. This capacity would be sufficient to allow for the specific uptake and degradation of Ox-LDL. Taken together, these data support a role for CD68 as a specific Ox-LDL binding protein in human monocyte-derived macrophages.

Localization of distinct F2-isoprostanes in human atherosclerotic lesions

F2-Isoprostanes are prostaglandin (PG) isomers formed in situ in cell membranes by peroxidation of arachidonic acid. 8-epi PGF2alpha and IPF2alpha-I are F2-isoprostanes produced in humans which circulate in plasma and are excreted in urine. Measurement of F2-isoprostanes may offer a sensitive, specific, and noninvasive method for measuring oxidant stress in clinical settings where reactive oxygen species are putatively involved. We determined whether isoprostanes were present in human atherosclerotic lesions, where lipid peroxidation is thought to occur in vivo. 8-epi PGF2alpha ranged from 1.310-3.450 pmol/micromol phospholipid in atherectomy specimens compared with 0.045-0.115 pmol/micromol phospholipid (P < 0.001) in vascular tissue devoid of atherosclerosis. Corresponding values of IPF2alpha-I were 5.6-13.8 vs. 0.16-0.44 pmol/micromol phospholipid (P < 0.001). Levels of the two isoprostanes in vascular tissue were highly correlated (r = 0.80, P < 0.0001). Immunohistochemical studies confirmed that foam cells adjacent to the lipid necrotic core of the plaque were markedly positive for 8-epi PGF2alpha. These cells were also reactive with anti-CD68, an epitope specific for human monocyte/macrophages. 8-epi PGF2alpha immunoreactivity was also detected in cells positive for anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibody, which specifically recognizes vascular smooth muscle cells. Our results indicate that 8-epi PGF2alpha and IPF2alpha-I, two distinct F2-isoprostanes and markers of oxidative stress in vivo, are present in human atherosclerotic plaque. Quantitation of these chemically stable products of lipid peroxidation in target tissues, as well as in biological fluids, may aid in the rational development of antioxidant drugs in humans.

Macrophages lacking scavenger receptor A show a decrease in binding and uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein and of apoptotic thymocytes, but not of oxidatively damaged red blood cells

Macrophage binding of oxidatively damaged red blood cells (OxRBC) and apoptotic thymocytes correlates in many instances with a loss of phospholipid bilayer asymmetry, i.e., with an increase in expression of phosphatidylserine on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. Oxidatively modified LDL (OxLDL) can compete for the binding of these ligands to macrophages. However, the receptor(s) responsible remains to be identified. The present studies show that mouse peritoneal macrophages totally lacking scavenger receptor A (SRA) bound OxRBC just as effectively as wild-type macrophages, whereas their binding and uptake of acetyl LDL was reduced by more than 80%. Binding of apoptotic thymocytes and binding of OxLDL were also reduced, but only by 20-30%. We conclude that SRA is not involved in the recognition of phosphatidylserine-rich membranes but contributes to the binding of OxLDL and apoptotic thymocytes. The binding of OxRBC was almost totally calcium-dependent, whereas the binding of apoptotic thymocytes was not, suggesting that the mechanisms involved in their uptake by macrophages under these conditions were different.

Plasma clearance and biodistribution of oxidatively modified 99mTc-beta-VLDL in rabbits

The biodistribution and removal from plasma (measured as fractional clearance rate, FCR, per hour) of native and oxidatively modified 99mtechnetium-labeled beta-very low density lipoprotein (99mTc-beta-VLDL) were investigated in hypercholesterolemic (HC) and control (C) three-month old New Zealand rabbits. The intracellular accumulation of beta-VLDL labeled with 99mTc was studied in vitro in THP-1 cells and monocyte-derived macrophages isolated from rabbits. After intravenous injection into C rabbits, copper-oxidized beta-VLDL (99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL) was cleared from the circulation faster (0.362 +/- 0.070/h) than native beta-VLDL (99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL, 0.241 +/- 0.070/h). In contrast, the FCR of 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL in HC rabbits was lower (0.100 +/- 0.048/h) than that of 99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL (0.163 +/- 0.043/h). The hepatic uptake of radiolabeled lipoproteins was lower in HC rabbits (0.114 +/- 0.071% injected dose/g tissue for 99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL and 0.116 +/- 0.057% injected dose/g tissue for 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL) than in C rabbits (0.301 +/- 0.113% injected dose/g tissue for 99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL and 0.305 +/- 0.149% injected dose/g tissue for 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL). The uptake of 99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL and 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL by atherosclerotic aorta lesions isolated from HC rabbits (99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL: 0.033 +/- 0.012% injected dose/g tissue and 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL: 0.039 +/- 0.017% injected dose/g tissue) was higher in comparison to that of non-atherosclerotic aortas from C rabbits (99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL: 0.023 +/- 0.010% injected dose/g tissue and 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL: 0.019 +/- 0.010% injected dose/g tissue). However, 99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL and 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL were taken up by atherosclerotic lesions at similar rates. In vitro studies showed that both monocyte-derived macrophages isolated from rabbits and THP-1 macrophages significantly internalized more 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL than 99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL. These results indicate that in cholesterol-fed rabbits 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL is slowly cleared from plasma and accumulates in atherosclerotic lesions. However, although the extent of in vitro uptake of 99mTc-ox-beta-VLDL by macrophages was high, the in vivo accumulation of this radiolabeled lipoprotein by atherosclerotic lesions did not differ from that of 99mTc-nat-beta-VLDL.

Acetylated LDL endocytosis by the human monocytic Mono Mac 6sr cells is not mediated by the macrophage type I and II scavenger receptors

We recently reported that the human monocytic Mono Mac 6sr cell line constitutively takes up and degrades acetylated (acLDL) and oxidized LDL through receptor-specific pathways. The present studies were undertaken to further characterize the acLDL binding site on a functional and molecular basis. The degradation of acLDL increased during differentiation of Mono Mac 6sr cells with lipopolysaccharide (10 ng/mL, 72 hours) and low concentrations of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 0.1 to 1.0 ng/mL, 72 hours). Higher doses of PMA (5 or 10 ng/mL), however, decreased acLDL degradation. Scatchard plots of acLDL binding in untreated and LPS-differentiated Mono Mac 6sr cells were nonlinear and suggested the presence of more than one binding site. Although the ligand specificity of the acLDL receptor in Mono Mac 6sr cells resembles that of the macrophage type I and type II scavenger receptors, we did not detect mRNA of either receptor type in untreated or differentiated Mono Mac 6sr cells by means of Northern blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, ligand blotting with 125I-acLDL failed to detect the 220-kD types I and II scavenger receptor protein. Thus, Mono Mac 6sr cells express an acLDL receptor that is distinct from the type I and type II scavenger receptor found in human monocyte-derived macrophages but that, like the latter, is induced during monocytic differentiation.

High affinity saturable uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein by macrophages from mice lacking the scavenger receptor class A type I/II

Oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) has been implicated as a causal factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL has been found to exhibit numerous potentially atherogenic properties in vitro, including receptor-mediated uptake by macrophages. Oxidized LDL is a ligand for the class A scavenger receptor type I/II (SR-AI/II), but cross-competition studies with cultured macrophages suggested that there is an additional receptor(s) that is specific for oxidized LDL and that does not interact with acetyl LDL or other chemically modified LDL. A number of macrophage membrane proteins, including CD36, FcgammaRII-B2, scavenger receptor BI, and macrosialin/CD68, have been found to bind to oxidized LDL in vitro and have been proposed as candidate oxidized LDL receptors. However, because of overlapping ligand specificity with the SR-AI/II, it has been difficult to evaluate the relative importance of these proteins in the uptake of oxidized LDL by macrophages. In the present report, we have studied the uptake and degradation of oxidized LDL by macrophages from mice in which the SR-AI/II gene had been disrupted. The uptake of acetyl LDL was reduced by more than 80% in macrophages from scavenger receptor knockout mice, confirming that most of the uptake of acetyl LDL by macrophages can be attributed to this receptor. In contrast, the uptake of extensively oxidized LDL was reduced by only 30% and showed high affinity, saturable uptake with apparent Km of about 5 microg/ml, similar to that of the SR-AI/II. This indicates that about 70% of the uptake of oxidized LDL in macrophages is attributable to an alternate oxidized LDL receptor(s). In contrast to findings reported with CD36, mildly oxidized LDL was internalized much more slowly than extensively oxidized LDL. Unlabeled oxidized LDL, polyinosinic acid, phosphatidylserine-rich liposomes, and LDL or bovine albumin modified by fatty acid oxidation products were effective competitors for the uptake of radioiodinated oxidized LDL by macrophages from knockout mice, whereas acetyl LDL and malondialdehyde-modified LDL were relatively poor competitors. This ligand specificity differs from that of CD36-related (class B) scavenger receptors but is similar to the reported specificity of macrosialin/CD68 in ligand blots. However, the rate of uptake of oxidized LDL by knockout macrophages was not increased by phorbol ester or in thioglycollate-elicited macrophages, both of which are expected to increase the amount of macrosialin on the cell surface. In macrophages from SR-AI/II knockout mice, ligand blots of membrane proteins with iodinated, oxidized, or acetylated LDL revealed several bands, with apparent molecular size on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 60, 94, 124, and 210 kDa, but none of the bands were specific for oxidized LDL. These results provide direct evidence that a receptor other than SR-AI/II is responsible for most of the uptake of oxidized LDL in murine macrophages, but further studies are needed to identify the receptor(s) involved.

Impact of a combination of a calcium antagonist and a beta-blocker on cell- and copper-mediated oxidation of LDL and on the accumulation and efflux of cholesterol in human macrophages and murine J774 cells

Calcium antagonists and beta-blockers may retard or inhibit atherogenesis. In the absence of data pertaining to the potential cardioprotective action of an association of such agents, we have investigated the impact of nifedipine and atenolol, alone or in combination, on the capacity of monocyte-macrophages (ex vivo) and copper ions (in vitro) to oxidize LDL and on intracellular metabolism and efflux of free and esterified forms of cholesterol in human macrophages and foam cells. At concentrations up to 100 micromol/L, atenolol had no effect on the oxidative resistance of LDL; on the contrary, nifedipine displayed a significant dose-dependent capacity to protect LDL during copper-mediated oxidation (100 micromol/L; P<.001). Using a DPPH radical generating system, nifedipine was shown to exert free radical-trapping activity (molar ratio of scavenging activity, nifedipine:alpha-tocopherol, 1:114). The addition of atenolol to nifedipine was without effect on the antioxidant activity of the calcium antagonist. In experiments in which oxidative modification was mediated by monocyte-macrophages, nifedipine but not atenolol conserved its antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that association of atenolol with nifedipine did not modify the antioxidant properties of nifedipine itself. Using a human monocyte-derived macrophage culture system, nifedipine, atenolol, or a combination of the two drugs was ineffective in inhibiting foam cell formation induced by acetylated LDL or oxidized LDL. However, atenolol (100 micromol/L) increased cellular accumulation of cholesteryl ester (+17%; P<.05), whereas nifedipine (100 micromol/L) decreased total cholesterol (-37.4%; P<.05) accumulation induced by acetylated LDL in the mouse macrophage cell line J774. A combination of the two drugs neutralized these antagonistic effects. None of these results were reproduced during the oxidized LDL-induced transformation of murine J774 cells into foam cells. Furthermore, cholesterol efflux from preloaded human macrophages was equally unaffected by the addition of the drugs alone or in combination. It therefore seems unlikely that the beneficial effect of atenolol on coronary heart disease is mediated by changes in either LDL oxidizability or cholesterol metabolism in human macrophages and foam cells. Our findings with nifedipine suggest, however, that this calcium antagonist may potentially exert antiatherosclerotic properties via a reduction of the oxidative modification of LDL, thereby affecting a reduction in foam cell formation and in the pathophysiological cellular activities of oxidized lipids, rather than by inducing a direct reduction in cholesterol accumulation in human foam cells of macrophage origin.

Advanced glycation end products are eliminated by scavenger-receptor-mediated endocytosis in hepatic sinusoidal Kupffer and endothelial cells

Long-term incubation of proteins with glucose leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE). Physiological aspects of the catabolism of non-enzymically glycated proteins were studied in vivo and in vitro. AGE-modified BSA (AGE-BSA) was a mixture of high-Mr (cross-linked), monomeric and low-Mr (fragmented) AGE-BSA. After intravenous administration in rat, all three fractions of AGE-BSA accumulated extremely rapidly and almost exclusively in liver. Uptake in liver endothelial, Kupffer and parenchymal cells accounted for approx. 60%, 25% and 10-15% respectively of hepatic elimination. Both cross-linked and monomeric AGE-BSA were efficiently taken up and degraded in cultures of purified liver endothelial and Kupffer cells. Endocytosis of AGE-BSA by these cells was inhibited by several ligands for the scavenger receptor. Although 125I-Hb was not endocytosed in vitro, 125I-AGE-Hb was effectively endocytosed by a mechanism that was subject to inhibition by AGE-BSA. Endocytosis of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, a physiological ligand for the scavenger receptor, was effectively inhibited by AGE-Hb and AGE-BSA. We conclude that AGE-modification renders macromolecules susceptible for elimination via the scavenger receptor of both liver endothelial and Kupffer cells.

The binding activity of the macrophage lipoprotein(a)/apolipoprotein(a) receptor is induced by cholesterol via a post-translational mechanism and recognizes distinct kringle domains on apolipoprotein(a)

Elevated plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) can be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, and the interaction of Lp(a) with cholesterol-loaded macrophages (foam cells) in atheromata may be important in Lp(a)-induced atherogenesis. We have previously shown that when cultured macrophages are loaded with cholesterol, they acquire the ability to internalize and lysosomally degrade Lp(a) via interaction between a novel cell-surface receptor activity and the apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) moiety of Lp(a). Herein we explore the cell-surface binding of recombinant apo(a) (r-apo(a)) by foam cells. Whereas the induction of degradation of r-apo(a) by cholesterol loading of macrophages depended on new protein synthesis, the induction of binding of r-apo(a) did not. Furthermore, J774 macrophages bound r-apo(a) in a cholesterol-regulatable and specific manner but degraded r-apo(a) poorly. Thus, the binding and internalization/degradation functions of the receptor activity are distinct. To explore which domains on r-apo(a) interact with the foam cell receptor, we conducted a series of competitive and direct binding and degradation experiments using 12 r-apo(a) constructs that differed in their content of specific kringle subtypes. These data, as well as complementary data with anti-apo(a) monoclonal antibodies, indicated that the region centered around kringle type IV, subtypes 6-7 (KIV6-7) is important in receptor binding. Remarkably, a cholesterol-induced receptor activity with similar structural specificity was also found on Chinese hamster ovary cells. In conclusion, the foam cell Lp(a)/apo(a) receptor consists of a cholesterol-regulatable binding activity and a short-lived component necessary for internalization or lysosomal degradation; the binding activity interacts with a distinct region of apo(a) that is different from that involved in competition for plasminogen binding.

Cell surface expression of mouse macrosialin and human CD68 and their role as macrophage receptors for oxidized low density lipoprotein

We have previously identified a 94- to 97-kDa oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL)-binding protein in mouse macrophages as macrosialin (MS), a member of the lamp family. Earlier immunostaining studies have shown that MS and its human homolog, CD68, are predominantly intracellular proteins. However, using sensitive techniques such as flow cytometry (FACS) and cell-surface-specific biotinylation, we now show that there is significant surface expression of these proteins. FACS analysis of intact cells using mAb FA/11 showed small but definite surface expression of MS in resident mouse peritoneal macrophages but this was greatly enhanced with thioglycollate elicitation. Biotinylation of intact cells and detergent-solubilized cell preparations followed by immunoprecipitation revealed 10-15% of the total MS content of elicited macrophages on the plasma membrane. Similar results were obtained with untreated RAW 264.7 cells. FACS analysis of intact THP-1 monocytic cells showed minimal surface expression of CD68 on unactivated cells (4% of total cell content). Stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased both surface and total CD68 expression considerably. Furthermore, the specific binding at 4 degrees C and uptake at 37 degrees C of 125I-labeled oxidized LDL by activated THP-1 cells was inhibited by 30-50% by CD68 mAbs KP-1 and EBM-11. Thus, although the surface expression of MS/CD68 at steady-state represents only a small percentage of their total cellular content, these proteins can play a significant role in oxidized LDL uptake by activated macrophages in vitro and could contribute to foam cell formation in atherosclerotic lesions.

The scavenger receptor serves as a route for internalization of lysophosphatidylcholine in oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced macrophage proliferation

We have recently demonstrated that the growth of murine macrophages is induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and that lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), a major phospholipid component of Ox-LDL, plays an essential role in its mitogenic effect. The present study was undertaken to further characterize the role of the macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR) in Ox-LDL-induced macrophage growth. The growth-stimulating effect of Ox-LDL on murine resident peritoneal macrophages was inhibited by maleylated bovine serum albumin (maleyl-BSA), a non-lipoprotein ligand for MSR but a poor carrier of lyso-PC, while maleyl-BSA itself failed to induce macrophage growth even in the presence of lyso-PC. Moreover, it competitively inhibited the endocytic uptake of 125I-Ox-LDL and the specific uptake of lyso-PC by MSR, whereas nonspecific lyso-PC transfer to cells was not affected. Furthermore, the Ox-LDL-induced cell growth of peritoneal macrophages obtained from MSR knockout mice was significantly weaker than that of macrophages obtained from their wild-type littermates. Our results suggest that the MSR is an important and efficient internalization pathway for lyso-PC in Ox-LDL-induced macrophage growth.

Increased macrophage uptake of irreversibly glycated albumin modified-low density lipoproteins of normal and diabetic subjects is mediated by non-saturable mechanisms

Diabetes mellitus is known as an independent risk factor in atherosclerosis. Among the prominent biochemical changes that occur in diabetic state, are the enhanced formation of advanced glycosylation end products (AGE) (especially linked to albumin and collagen) and the impaired oxidative-antioxidative balance. Previously, we have shown that AGE-albumin (AGE-Alb) significantly alters the physico-chemical characteristics of low density lipoproteins of normal (nLDL) and diabetic (dLDL) subjects. In this study we tried to establish if incubation of nLDL or dLDL, with AGE-Alb in autoxidative conditions, modifies the rate and/or the pathway of their uptake by macrophages. To this purpose, nLDL and dLDL were exposed to AGE-Alb, and after re-isolation and radiolabeling the lipoproteins were incubated with U937 or peritoneal macrophages (for various time and concentrations), in the absence or presence of different competitors (native LDL, acetylated LDL, AGE-Alb, mannan) or cytochalasin D. As controls, nLDL and dLDL, maintained in similar conditions, but without AGE-Alb, were used. The results showed that preincubation for 24 h and 72 h with AGE-Alb augmented the macrophage uptake for both nLDL and dLDL (1.7-fold). Either pre-incubated or not with AGE-Alb, dLDL was taken up at a constantly higher rate than nLDL; the difference appeared more prominent at 72 h (1.5 vs. 4 micrograms LDL protein/mg cell protein). The increased level of glycation of native dLDL as compared to native nLDL (266 +/- 35 vs. 160 +/- 24 mmol HMF/mol apoB) as well as of the lipid peroxides (1.34 +/- 0.47 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.09 nmol MDA/mg apoB) could account for the greater uptake of dLDL at any preincubation time. Competition experiments indicated that, generally, incubation with AGE-Alb diminished the apo B100,E receptor-mediated uptake in favour of 'scavenger' receptor pathway and phagocytosis. Macrophage uptake of AGE-Alb modified dLDL was reduced approximately 30% by native nLDL, approximately 70% by acetylated LDL and approximately 38% by cytochalasin D. Together, these data suggest that the consequence of the alterations induced by AGE-Albumin on LDL is the increased macrophage uptake, via non-saturable pathways, that ultimately may lead to accelerated formation of atherosclerotic plaques in diabetics.

Modified lipoproteins, cytokines and macrovascular disease in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The processes of glycation and oxidation play a significant role in the acceleration of atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus. Glycation is thought not only to increase the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation but also to enhance the propensity of vessel wall structural proteins to bind extravasated plasma proteins, including LDL, and thus to contribute to a more marked oxidative modification of LDL. Glycated and oxidized lipoproteins induce cholesteryl ester accumulation in human macrophages and may promote platelet and endothelial cell dysfunction. Furthermore, these modified lipoproteins have the ability to trigger an autoimmune response that leads to the formation of autoantibodies and subsequently to the formation of immune complexes containing LDL. Both the modified lipoproteins and the immune complexes formed with autoantibodies reactive with modified lipoproteins may be responsible for several alternative and not mutually exclusive pathways leading to foam cell formation, macrophage activation and endothelial cell damage and may thus be of potential significance in initiating and/or contributing to the acceleration of the development of atherosclerosis. In this review we discuss how modified LDL affects lipoprotein metabolism, how immune complexes containing LDL induce the transformation of macrophages into foam cells and promote macrophage activation leading to the release of cytokines and thus initiating a sequence of events leading to endothelial cell damage and to the recruitment and activation of leucocytes. We also summarize our work showing that macrophage activation by LDL containing immune complexes leads to a paradoxical increase in LDL-receptor expression thus further impairing cholesterol homeostasis and enhancing the development of atheromatous lesions.

Mechanism of uptake of copper-oxidized low density lipoprotein in macrophages is dependent on its extent of oxidation

Several investigators have reported nonreciprocal cross-competition between unlabeled acetyl low density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL for the degradation of the corresponding labeled LDLs. The failure of acetyl LDL to compete fully for the degradation of oxidized LDL has been interpreted as evidence for additional receptor(s) specific for oxidized LDL. In the present study, it is demonstrated that the ability of oxidized LDL to compete for the degradation of acetyl LDL is determined largely by its extent of oxidation. Extensively oxidized LDL competed for 90% of acetyl LDL degradation in murine macrophages, and hence there appears to be no pathway in these cells that is specific for acetyl LDL but not oxidized LDL. The reciprocal situation (competition by acetyl LDL for uptake and degradation of oxidized LDL) proved to be more complicated. Oxidized LDL is known to be susceptible to aggregation, and less than half of the aggregates found in the present experiments were large enough to be removed by filtration or centrifugation at 10,000 x g. When oxidized LDL was prepared under conditions that resulted in minimal aggregation, acetyl LDL competed for greater than 80% of oxidized LDL degradation. With more extensive oxidation and aggregation of LDL, acetyl LDL only competed for about 45% of oxidized LDL degradation, while polyinosinic acid remained an effective competitor. Individual preparations of oxidized LDL that differed in degree of oxidation were separated into aggregated and nonaggregated fractions, and it was shown that both fractions were competed to a similar degree by acetyl LDL in mouse peritoneal macrophages and in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with human scavenger receptor type I cDNA. Hence, aggregation by itself did not alter the apparent rate of uptake by the scavenger receptor pathway. These results indicate that the extent of oxidation of LDL affects its mechanism of uptake and that about half of the uptake of very extensively oxidized LDL appears to be via a pathway distinct from the scavenger receptor type I/II. The uptake of very extensively oxidized LDL was not affected by cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of phagocytosis. As well, it was not affected by an antibody to CD36 in human monocyte-derived macrophages or in THP-1 cells, suggesting that this alternate pathway does not involve CD36.

Oxidative modifications of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) by the human endothelial cell line EA.hy 926

Modifications of LDL by the EA.hy 926 cell line were compared to those generated by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) index values (TBARS sample/TBARS cell-free control ratio) were 2.64 +/- 0.18 (m +/- SE, n = 11) and 3.12 +/- 0.24 (n = 11), for HUVEC and EA.hy 926, respectively. The percentage of the most electronegative modified LDL fraction (fraction C), assessed by using an ion-exchange chromatographic method based on fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), represented 14 +/- 3% (n = 34) and 22 +/- 13% (n =10) of total modified LDL in HUVEC and EA.hy 926, respectively. LDL modified by both cell lines showed increased agarose electrophoretic mobility and apo B100 fragmentation on SDS-PAGE. None of the results were significantly different between the two cell lines. Superoxide anion production was 0.12 +/- 0.04 (n = 11) and 0.07 +/- 0.01 nmol/min/mg cell protein (n = 11) in HUVEC and EA.hy 926, respectively. Cell-specific effects on LDL were abrogated in cysteine-free medium. Moreover, cell-modified LDL were similarly degraded by J774 macrophage-like cells. We conclude that EA.hy 926 cells are a good model for investigating endothelial cell-induced modifications of LDL. Advantages include ready availability and less individual variability than with HUVEC.

Scavenger receptors in innate immunity

Scavenger receptors are cell-surface proteins expressed by mammalian monocytes and macrophages and by invertebrate hemocytes, among other cell types. They exhibit distinctive ligand-binding properties, recognizing a wide range of ligands that include microbial surface constituents and intact microbes. The ligand-binding properties and expression patterns of these receptors suggest that they may function in one or more host-defense-related processes. Significant advances in scavenger receptor biology have recently been reported, including the identification of several new scavenger receptor genes.

The heparin-bound fraction of human lipoprotein-deficient serum inhibits endocytic uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein by macrophages

We recently demonstrated that bovine lactoferrin, a cationic whey protein from bovine milk, interacts with the negative charges of modified low density lipoproteins (modified LDL) such as acetylated LDL (acLDL) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL), which markedly interferes with their endocytic uptake by rat peritoneal macrophages (Kajikawa M, Ohta T, Takase M, Kawase K, Shimamura S, Matsuda I. Biochim Biophys Acta 1994;1213:82-90). In the present study, we examined whether human lipoprotein-deficient serum (LPDS) might contain protein(s) that could inhibit the endocytic uptake of oxLDL by mouse macrophages. We fractionated LPDS by heparin affinity chromatography and found that the cellular binding of oxLDL to mouse macrophages and subsequent endocytic uptake were inhibited by 50%-60% with the heparin-bound fraction, whereas the heparin-unbound fraction had no effect. Similar results were obtained in the experiments with acetylated LDL. Sephacryl S-300 gel-filtration chromatography of a mixture of oxLDL and the heparin-bound fraction revealed that a 150-kDa protein was associated with oxLDL. These results indicate that the electrostatic interaction of oxLDL with some component(s) of the heparin-bound fraction might interfere with the endocytic uptake of oxLDL by the macrophage scavenger receptor.

Reconstituted high density lipoprotein reduces the capacity of oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein to accumulate cholesteryl esters in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was incubated with discoidal complexes of apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) (DMPC/apo A-I) in a cell-free system and re-isolated on Sephacryl S-400 gel filtration chromatography. Analyses of re-isolated ox-LDL showed that apo A-I was transferred from DMPC/apo A-I to ox-LDL, which accounted for 10% of the total protein of ox-LDL. Re-isolated ox-LDL also showed a 2.2-fold increase in phospholipid and a 14% decrease in cholesterol content on an apo B basis. The electrophoretic mobility of re-isolated ox-LDL was markedly reduced almost to that of native LDL. Moreover, the amounts of re-isolated ox-LDL to be degraded by mouse peritoneal macrophages as well as the capacity of re-isolated ox-LDL to accumulate cholesteryl esters (CE) in these cells were markedly reduced (60% and 80% reduction, respectively), suggesting that the ligand activity of ox-LDL for the scavenger receptor was significantly reduced upon treatment with DMPC/apo A-I. Parallel incubation of ox-LDL with free apo A-I led to a similar incorporation of apo A-I into ox-LDL. However, it had no effects on the ligand activity of ox-LDL. Thus, it is likely that the reduction in the ligand activity of ox-LDL by DMPC/apo A-I is explained by the change in the lipid moiety (mainly phospholipid) of ox-LDL. Since discoidal high density lipoprotein (HDL) is known to occur in vivo, this phenomenon might explain one of the anti-atherogenic functions of HDL.

Decrease in scavenger receptor expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages treated with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor

To determine whether scavenger receptors are susceptible to regulation by granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a macrophage-specific cytokine, human monocytes were differentiated into macrophages in the absence or presence of 20 U/mL GM-CSF. Binding, uptake, and degradation of acetylated LDL (Ac-LDL) and oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) were measured. Treatment with GM-CSF resulted in a significant twofold to threefold decrease in the number of binding sites for Ac-LDL and Ox-LDL on the surface of macrophages without affecting the affinity of the receptor for these ligands. Competition experiments revealed that two binding sites were responsible for the recognition and uptake of Ac-LDL; one specific for Ac-LDL and one that recognized both Ac-LDL and Ox-LDL. No binding site specific for Ox-LDL could be detected in either control or GM-CSF-treated macrophages. Treatment of human monocyte-derived macrophages with GM-CSF resulted in a decrease of the Ac-LDL/Ox-LDL receptor but did not affect the binding site specific for Ac-LDL. Northern blot analysis showed that mRNA levels of both types I and II scavenger receptor were reduced in macrophages differentiated in the presence of GM-CSF. Human macrophages that were differentiated in the presence of GM-CSF accumulated approximately 50% fewer cholesteryl esters. Taken together, these results indicate that GM-CSF can downregulate both types I and II scavenger receptor in human monocyte-derived macrophages, which might have implications for foam cell formation.