Oxidized LDL attenuates apoptosis in monocytic cells by activating ERK signaling

Lipids and lipoproteins may play a role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other classes of dementia are important public health problems with overwhelming social, physical, and financial effects for patients, society, and their families and caregivers. The pathophysiology of AD is poorly understood despite the extensive number of clinical and experimental studies. The brain's lipid-rich composition is linked to disturbances in lipid homeostasis, often associated with glucose and lipid abnormalities in various neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Moreover, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels may be related to a higher probability of AD. Here, we hypothesize that lipids, and electronegative LDL (L5) in particular, may be involved in the pathophysiology of AD. Although changes in cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and glucose levels are seen in AD, the cause remains unknown. We believe that L5-the most electronegative subfraction of LDL-may be a crucial factor in understanding the involvement of lipids in AD pathology. LDL and L5 are internalized by cells through different receptors and mechanisms that trigger separate intracellular pathways. One of the receptors involved in L5 internalization, LOX-1, triggers apoptotic pathways. Aging is associated with dysregulation of lipid homeostasis, and it is believed that alterations in lipid metabolism contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Proposed mechanisms of lipid dysregulation in AD include mitochondrial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier disease, neuronal signaling, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which lead ultimately to memory loss through deficiency of synaptic integration. Several lipid species and their receptors have essential functions in AD pathogenesis and may be potential biomarkers.

Why are cardiovascular diseases more common among patients with severe mental illness? The potential involvement of electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL) L5

Despite tremendous efforts of experimental and clinical studies and knowledge, the pathophysiology of severe mental illness (SMI), including bipolar disorder (BD), unipolar depression (mood disorders, MD), and schizophrenia (SCZ), remains poorly understood. Besides their chronic course and high prevalence in society, mental and somatic comorbidities are really serious problems; patients with these disorders have increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) diseases (CVD) including coronary artery diseases (CAD, i.e. myocardial infarction and angina), stroke, sudden cardiac death, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and thromboembolic disease. Although it is determined that triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels are increased in MD and SCZ, the underlying reason remains unknown. Considering this, we propose that electronegative LDL (L5) is probably the main crucial element to understanding CVD induced by SMI and to discovering novel remedial approaches for these diseases. When it is hypothesized that L5 is greatly presupposed in CV system abnormalities, it follows that the anti-L5 therapies and even antioxidant treatment options may open new therapeutic opportunities to prevent CVD diseases secondary to SMI. In this review article, we tried to bring a very original subject to the attention of readers who are interested in lipoprotein metabolism in terms of experimental, clinical, and cell culture studies that corroborate the involvement of L5 in physiopathology of CVD secondary to SMI and also the new therapeutic approaches for these disorders.

The Role of Distinctive Sphingolipids in the Inflammatory and Apoptotic Effects of Electronegative LDL on Monocytes

Electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL(-)) is a minor LDL subfraction that is present in blood with inflammatory and apoptotic effects. We aimed to evaluate the role of sphingolipids ceramide (Cer), sphingosine (Sph), and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in the LDL(-)-induced effect on monocytes. Total LDL was subfractioned into native LDL and LDL(-) by anion-exchange chromatography and their sphingolipid content evaluated by mass spectrometry. LDL subfractions were incubated with monocytes in the presence or absence of enzyme inhibitors: chlorpromazine (CPZ), d-erythro-2-(N-myristoyl amino)-1-phenyl-1-propanol (MAPP), and N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS), which inhibit Cer, Sph, and S1P generation, respectively. After incubation, we evaluated cytokine release by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and apoptosis by flow cytometry. LDL(-) had an increased content in Cer and Sph compared to LDL(+). LDL(-)-induced cytokine release from cultured monocytes was inhibited by CPZ and MAPP, whereas DMS had no effect. LDL(-) promoted monocyte apoptosis, which was inhibited by CPZ, but increased with the addition of DMS. LDL enriched with Sph increased cytokine release in monocytes, and when enriched with Cer, reproduced both the apoptotic and inflammatory effects of LDL(-). These observations indicate that Cer content contributes to the inflammatory and apoptotic effects of LDL(-) on monocytes, whereas Sph plays a more important role in LDL(-)-induced inflammation, and S1P counteracts apoptosis.

MicroRNA-122 promotes endothelial cell apoptosis by targeting XIAP: Therapeutic implication for atherosclerosis

Endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis is fundamental for the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) emerge as critical regulators. miR-122 has been shown to regulate the apoptosis of various cell types, however, whether miR-122 is associated with atherosclerosis and EC apoptosis remains unknown. In this study, we found that miR-122 expression was increased in the aortic ECs of ApoE^-/- mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), as compared to normal-diet (ND), implying a potential association between miR-122 elevation and atherogenesis. In addition, in vitro, miR-122 expression was also induced in human aortic ECs (HAECs) by the treatment of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), a common atherogenic factor. Functionally, miR-122 knockdown suppressed ox-LDL-induced apoptosis of HAECs, suggesting a pro-apoptotic role of miR-122 in HAECs under this pro-atherogenic condition. Further evidence revealed that the X-linked inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein (XIAP) was directly targeted and suppressed by miR-122 in HAECs, and more importantly, XIAP knockdown diminished miR-122 effect on apoptosis, thus establishing XIAP as a prominent target that mediates miR-122 regulation of the apoptosis of HAECs. Together, these results may identify miR-122 as a novel regulator in EC apoptosis, which offers it as a possible target for therapeutic interventions of atherosclerosis.

Glycyrrhizin affects monocyte migration and apoptosis by blocking HMGB1 signaling

Monocytes serve an important role in systemic inflammation. High mobility group box‑1 protein (HMGB1) promotes recruitment and suppresses apoptosis in monocytes through the receptor for advanced glycation end products/ nuclear factor (NF)‑κB and toll‑like receptor 4/mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. Glycyrrhizin (GL), an effective component of licorice, weakens the proinflammatory effect of HMGB1. The present study investigated the effect of GL on the migration and apoptosis of monocytes associated with HMGB1 signaling. THP‑1 cells were used to evaluate the behavior of monocytes in response to GL treatment, and the downstream pathways were investigated. GL suppressed HMGB1‑induced monocyte migration and increased HMGB1‑inhibited monocyte apoptosis. GL inhibited the activation of the NF‑κB and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways induced by HMGB1 and decreased the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1 (MCP‑1) and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl‑1). Taken together, the results indicated that GL may suppress the migration of monocytes and induce apoptosis to reduce systemic inflammation by blocking downstream NF‑κB/MCP‑1 and MAPK/ERK/Mcl‑1 signaling pathways.

Complement Protein C1q Enhances Macrophage Foam Cell Survival and Efferocytosis

In the atherosclerotic lesion, macrophages ingest high levels of damaged modified low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), generating macrophage foam cells. Foam cells undergo apoptosis and, if not efficiently cleared by efferocytosis, can undergo secondary necrosis, leading to plaque instability and rupture. As a component of the innate immune complement cascade, C1q recognizes and opsonizes modified forms of LDL, such as oxidized or acetylated LDL, and promotes ingestion by macrophages in vitro. C1q was shown to be protective in an atherosclerosis model in vivo. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether ingestion of modified LDL in the presence of C1q alters macrophage foam cell survival or function. In an unbiased transcriptome analysis, C1q was shown to modulate expression of clusters of genes involved in cell death and apoptosis pathways in human monocyte-derived macrophages ingesting modified LDL; this was validated by quantitative PCR in human and murine macrophages. C1q downregulated levels and activity of active caspase-3 and PARP-1 in human and mouse macrophages during ingestion of modified LDL. This led to a measurable increase in survival and decrease in cell death, as measured by alamarBlue and propidium iodide assays, respectively. C1q opsonization also increased phagocytosis and efferocytosis in macrophage foam cells. These data suggest that C1q promotes macrophage survival during ingestion of excess cholesterol, as well as improves foam cell efferocytic function. This may be important in slowing disease progression and provides insight into the protective role of C1q in early atherosclerosis.

Platelet-derived high-mobility group box 1 promotes recruitment and suppresses apoptosis of monocytes

Platelets are circulating cellular sensors that express and release the damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP) high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) at sites of disrupted vascular and tissue integrity. We have recently identified platelet-derived HMGB1 as a critical mediator of thrombosis. The role of platelet-derived HMGB1 in mediating interactions with monocytes remains unknown. In transgenic mice with platelet-specific ablation of HMGB1 and neutralization studies, we show that HMGB1 derived from platelets promotes recruitment of monocytes and prevents monocytes from undergoing apoptosis. During experimental trauma and hemorrhagic shock, infiltrated monocytes in the lung and liver were significantly attenuated in mice lacking HMGB1 in platelets. Platelet-derived HMGB1 mediated monocyte migration via the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and suppressed apoptosis via toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent activation of MAPK/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) in monocytes. In conclusion, we identify platelet-derived HMGB1 as a critical regulator of monocyte recruitment and apoptosis, with potential implications in disease states associated with thrombosis and inflammation.

Inflammatory intracellular pathways activated by electronegative LDL in monocytes

AIMS

Electronegative LDL (LDL(-)) is a plasma LDL subfraction that induces cytokine release in monocytes through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. However, the intracellular pathways induced by LDL(-) downstream TLR4 activation are unknown. We aimed to identify the pathways activated by LDL(-) leading to cytokine release in monocytes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We determined LDL(-)-induced activation of several intracellular kinases in protein extracts from monocytes using a multikinase ELISA array. LDL(-) induced higher p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation than native LDL. This was corroborated by a specific cell-based assay and it was dependent on TLR4 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3k)/Akt pathway. P38 MAPK activation was involved in cytokine release promoted by LDL(-). A specific ELISA showed that LDL(-) activated cAMP response-element binding (CREB) in a p38 MAPK dependent manner. P38 MAPK was also involved in the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) and activating protein-1 (AP-1) activation by LDL(-). We found that NF-kB, AP-1 and CREB inhibitors decreased LDL(-)-induced cytokine release, mainly on MCP1, IL6 and IL10 release, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LDL(-) promotes p38 MAPK phosphorylation through TLR4 and PI3k/Akt pathways. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK is involved in NF-kB, AP-1 and CREB activation, leading to LDL(-)-induced cytokine release in monocytes.

Oxysterols and mechanisms of survival signaling

Oxysterols, a family of oxidation products of cholesterol, are increasingly drawing attention of scientists to their multifaceted biochemical properties, several of them of clear relevance to human pathophysiology. Taken up by cells through both vesicular and non-vesicular ways or often generated intracellularly, oxysterols contribute to modulate not only the inflammatory and immunological response but also cell viability, metabolism and function by modulating several signaling pathways. Moreover, they have been recognized as elective ligands for the most important nuclear receptors. The outcome of such a complex network of intracellular reactions promoted by these cholesterol oxidation products appears to be largely dependent not only on the type of cells, the dynamic conditions of the cellular and tissue environment but also on the concentration of the oxysterols. Here focus has been given to the cascade of molecular events exerted by relatively low concentrations of certain oxysterols that elicit survival and functional signals in the cells, with the aim to contribute to further expand the knowledge about the biological and physiological potential of the biochemical reactions triggered and modulated by oxysterols.

Cell membrane damage is involved in the impaired survival of bone marrow stem cells by oxidized low-density lipoprotein

Cell therapy with bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) remains a viable option for tissue repair and regeneration. A major challenge for cell therapy is the limited cell survival after implantation. This study was to investigate the effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL, naturally present in human blood) on BMSC injury and the effect of MG53, a tissue repair protein, for the improvement of stem cell survival. Rat bone marrow multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) were treated with ox-LDL, which caused significant cell death as reflected by the increased LDH release to the media. Exposure of MAPCs to ox-LDL led to entry of fluorescent dye FM1-43 measured under confocal microscope, suggesting damage to the plasma membrane. Ox-LDL also generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) as measured with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. While antioxidant N-acetylcysteine completely blocked ROS production from ox-LDL, it failed to prevent ox-LDL-induced cell death. When MAPCs were treated with the recombinant human MG53 protein (rhMG53) ox-LDL induced LDH release and FM1-43 dye entry were significantly reduced. In the presence of rhMG53, the MAPCs showed enhanced cell survival and proliferation. Our data suggest that membrane damage induced by ox-LDL contributed to the impaired survival of MAPCs. rhMG53 treatment protected MAPCs against membrane damage and enhanced their survival which might represent a novel means for improving efficacy for stem cell-based therapy for treatment of diseases, especially in setting of hyperlipidemia.

PKCδ-IRAK1 axis regulates oxidized LDL-induced IL-1β production in monocytes

This study examined the role of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) and protein kinase C (PKC) in oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL)-induced monocyte IL-1β production. In THP1 cells, Ox-LDL induced time-dependent secretory IL-1β and IRAK1 activity; IRAK4, IRAK3, and CD36 protein expression; PKCδ-JNK1 phosphorylation; and AP-1 activation. IRAK1/4 siRNA and inhibitor (INH)-attenuated Ox-LDL induced secreted IL-1β and pro-IL-1β mRNA and pro-IL-1β and mature IL-1β protein expression, respectively. Diphenyleneiodonium chloride (NADPH oxidase INH) and N-acetylcysteine (free radical scavenger) attenuated Ox-LDL-induced reactive oxygen species generation, caspase-1 activity, and pro-IL-1β and mature IL-1β expression. Ox-LDL-induced secretory IL-1β production was abrogated in the presence of JNK INH II, Tanshinone IIa, Ro-31-8220, Go6976, Rottlerin, and PKCδ siRNA. PKCδ siRNA attenuated the Ox-LDL-induced increase in IRAK1 kinase activity, JNK1 phosphorylation, and AP-1 activation. In THP1 macrophages, CD36, toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, TLR6, and PKCδ siRNA prevented Ox-LDL-induced PKCδ and IRAK1 activation and IL-1β production. Enhanced Ox-LDL and IL-1β in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) patient plasma demonstrated positive correlation with each other and with disease severity scores. Ox-LDL-containing plasma induced PKCδ and IRAK1 phosphorylation and IL-1β production in a CD36-, TLR2-, TLR4-, and TLR6-dependent manner in primary human monocytes. Results suggest involvement of CD36, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, and the PKCδ-IRAK1-JNK1-AP-1 axis in Ox-LDL-induced IL-1β production.

Ox-LDL modifies the behaviour of bone marrow stem cells and impairs their endothelial differentiation via inhibition of Akt phosphorylation

This study was to investigate the effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on the behaviour of bone marrow stem cells and their endothelial differentiation as well as the underlying mechanisms. Adult rat bone marrow multipotent progenitor cells (MAPCs) were incubated with ox-LDL for up to 2 weeks. Ox-LDL treatment resulted in a time- and dose-dependent reduction of MAPC population in culture through a combination of decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. The expression of stem cell marker Oct-4 was significantly suppressed in MAPCs by ox-LDL in a dose- and time-dependant manner. Endothelial differentiation of MAPCs was substantially inhibited by ox-LDL with markedly decreased expression of endothelial markers vWF, Flk-1 and CD31, as well as impaired in vitro vascular structure formation. Ox-LDL-induced apoptosis and inhibition of Oct-4 expression, cell proliferation and endothelial differentiation of MAPCs were associated with significant inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. Akt overexpression in MAPCs transfected with a constitutively active Akt completely reversed the effects of ox-LDL on MAPCs including enhanced apoptosis, decreased cell proliferation, suppressed Oct-4 expression and endothelial differentiation as well as in vitro vascular structure formation. In conclusion, ox-LDL promotes apoptosis and inhibits Oct-4 expression and self-renewal of MAPCs, and impairs their endothelial differentiation via suppression of Akt signalling.

OxLDL-targeted iron oxide nanoparticles for in vivo MRI detection of perivascular carotid collar induced atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-deficient mice

Atherosclerotic disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries, and oxidized LDL (OxLDL) plays a key role in the formation, rupture, and subsequent thrombus formation in atherosclerotic plaques. In the current study, anti-mouse OxLDL polyclonal antibody and nonspecific IgG antibody were conjugated to polyethylene glycol-coated ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles, and a carotid perivascular collar model in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice was imaged at 7.0 Tesla MRI before contrast administration and at 8 h and 24 h after injection of 30 mg Fe/kg. The results showed MRI signal loss in the carotid atherosclerotic lesions after administration of targeted anti-OxLDL-USPIO at 8 h and 24 h, which is consistent with the presence of the nanoparticles in the lesions. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the colocalization of the OxLDL/macrophages and iron oxide nanoparticles. The nonspecific IgG-USPIO, unconjugated USPIO nanoparticles, and competitive inhibition groups had limited signal changes (p < 0.05). This report shows that anti-OxLDL-USPIO nanoparticles can be used to directly detect OxLDL and image atherosclerotic lesions within 24 h of nanoparticle administration and suggests a strategy for the therapeutic evaluation of atherosclerotic plaques in vivo.

OxLDL up-regulates Niemann-Pick type C1 expression through ERK1/2/COX-2/PPARα-signaling pathway in macrophages

The Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) is located mainly in the membranes of the late endosome/lysosome and controls the intracellular cholesterol trafficking from the late endosome/lysosome to the plasma membrane. It has been reported that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) can up-regulate NPC1 expression. However, the detailed mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of oxLDL stimulation on NPC1 expression in THP-1 macrophages. Our results showed that oxLDL up-regulated NPC1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. In addition, oxLDL also induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Treatment with oxLDL significantly increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expression in the macrophages, and these increases were suppressed by the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 or ERK1/2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment. OxLDL up-regulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) at the mRNA and protein levels, which could be abolished by COX-2 siRNA or COX-2 inhibitor NS398 treatment in these macrophages. OxLDL dramatically elevated cellular cholesterol efflux, which was abrogated by inhibiting ERK1/2 and/or COX-2. In addition, oxLDL-induced NPC1 expression and cellular cholesterol efflux were reversed by PPARα siRNA or GW6471, an antagonist of PPARα. Taken together, these results provide the evidence that oxLDL can up-regulate the expression of the NPC1 through ERK1/2/COX-2/PPARα-signaling pathway in macrophages.

Antioxidant signaling via Nrf2 counteracts lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory responses in foam cell macrophages

Inflammatory conditions and oxidative stress contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a redox-sensitive transcription factor known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and, thus, cell-protective properties. Its role in effecting a deactivated state of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-generated foam cell macrophages (FCMs), a prevailing cellular phenotype of atherosclerotic lesions, has not been investigated yet. In this study RAW264.7- or mouse peritoneal macrophage-derived FCMs showed reduced mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6 and an attenuated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as analyzed by hydroethidine in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and compared to LPS-treated control macrophages. In peritoneal FCMs from Nrf2-/- mice (C57BL/6J), the LPS-induced proinflammatory response was restored. OxLDL induced heme oxygenase (HO)-1, which was Nrf2-dependent, and inhibition of HO-1 activity in FCMs using zinc protoporphyrin-IX allowed the cells to regain a proinflammatory phenotype. Mechanistically, oxLDL attenuated ROS-dependent activation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family members in FCMs, thereby reducing cytokine expression. Thus, in FCMs the Nrf2/HO-1 axis intervenes in LPS signaling. ROS production is impaired, C/EBP transactivation is reduced, and consequently the expression of proinflammatory mediators is attenuated, thereby shaping a desensitized FCM phenotype. This macrophage phenotype may be important for the progression of atherosclerosis.

Reactive oxygen species mediate oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced inhibition of oct-4 expression and endothelial differentiation of bone marrow stem cells

This study was to test the hypothesis that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) modified the behavior of bone marrow stem cells, including proliferation, Oct-4 expression, and their endothelial differentiation through reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in vitro. Rat bone marrow multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) were treated with ox-LDL with or without the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Ox-LDL generated a significant amount of ROS in the culture system as measured with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and substantially inhibited the proliferation, Oct-4 expression, and endothelial differentiation of MAPCs. ROS production from ox-LDL in the culture system was completely prevented by NAC (1 mM). NAC treatment completely restored endothelial differentiation potential of MAPCs that was diminished by low-dose ox-LDL. NAC also significantly, but not completely, reversed the inhibitory effect of ox-LDL on proliferation and Oct-4 expression in MAPCs. NAC treatment only slightly restored Akt phosphorylation impaired by ox-LDL in the cells. ROS formation was important in the action of ox-LDL on MAPCs, including Oct-4 expression, proliferation, and endothelial differentiation. However, other mechanism(s) like Akt signaling and apoptosis might also play a critical role in mediating the effect of ox-LDL on these cells.

Modulation of adrenal aldosterone release by oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein

BACKGROUND

Serum aldosterone is a causative factor for various metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a major cholesterol source for aldosterone steroidogenesis; however, the effect of oxidative modification of LDL on aldosterone release is not known. We studied the effect of hypochlorite-oxidized LDL (oxLDL) on adrenal aldosterone secretion.

METHODS

LDL (native LDL (natLDL)) was obtained from healthy volunteers and oxidatively modified in vitro. NCI-H295R cells were stimulated with natLDL and oxLDL, and the aldosterone release was quantified by radioimmunoassay. Molecular changes were studied with western blot analysis and quantitative RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS

NatLDL and oxLDL caused dose-dependent increase in aldosterone release up to threefold. However, the stimulatory effects of modified LDL on aldosterone secretion decreased with increasing degree of LDL oxidation. 24-h incubations with natLDL, mild- and medium-oxidized LDL sensitized the adrenocortical cells to subsequent angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulations by 2.9-, 2.8-, and 2.5-folds, respectively. Heavily oxidized LDL did not sensitize the cells to Ang II stimulations to a similar extent. At the molecular level, the ERK pathway was activated within a minute by both natLDL and oxLDL; however, oxLDL showed a stronger (2.75-fold at 1 and 15 min) and longer (15 min) activation of ERK than natLDL (twofold).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the following: (i) both natLDL and hypochlorite-oxidized LDL utilize ERK pathway to mediate aldosterone release; (ii) mildly oxidized LDL sensitizes the adrenocortical cells to further stimulations by Ang II similar to natLDL that may have a role in pathological processes; (iii) extensive LDL oxidation counteracts adrenocortical aldosterone release.

Macrophage LRP-1 controls plaque cellularity by regulating efferocytosis and Akt activation

OBJECTIVE

The balance between apoptosis susceptibility and efferocytosis of macrophages is central to plaque remodeling and inflammation. LRP-1 and its ligand, apolipoprotein E, have been implicated in efferocytosis and apoptosis in some cell types. We investigated the involvement of the macrophage LRP-1/apolipoprotein E axis in controlling plaque apoptosis and efferocytosis. Method and Results- LRP-1(-/-) macrophages displayed nearly 2-fold more TUNEL positivity compared to wild-type cells in the presence of DMEM alone or with either lipopolysaccharide or oxidized low-density lipoprotein. The survival kinase, phosphorylated Akt, was barely detectable in LRP-1(-/-) cells, causing decreased phosphorylated Bad and increased cleaved caspase-3. Regardless of the apoptotic stimulation and degree of cell death, LRP-1(-/-) macrophages displayed enhanced inflammation with increased IL-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression. Efferocytosis of apoptotic macrophages was reduced by 60% in LRP-1(-/-) vs wild-type macrophages despite increased apolipoprotein E expression by both LRP-1(-/-) phagocytes and wild-type apoptotic cells. Compared to wild-type macrophage lesions, LRP-1(-/-) lesions had 5.7-fold more necrotic core with more dead cells not associated with macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrophage LRP-1 deficiency increases cell death and inflammation by impairing phosphorylated Akt activation and efferocytosis. Increased apolipoprotein E expression in LRP-1(-/-) macrophages suggests that the LRP-1/apolipoprotein E axis regulates the balance between apoptosis and efferocytosis, thereby preventing necrotic core formation.

Glucose metabolism is required for oxidized LDL-induced macrophage survival: role of PI3K and Bcl-2 family proteins

OBJECTIVE

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) induces survival of colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1)-dependent macrophages in vitro. Because atherosclerotic lesion-associated macrophages take up large amounts of glucose, we investigated whether, and how, oxLDL promotes glucose uptake and how glucose metabolism regulates oxLDL-induced macrophage survival.

METHODS AND RESULTS

OxLDL-induced macrophage survival required glucose metabolism. OxLDL stimulated 2 phases of glucose uptake, namely acute and chronic, which required PI3K but not MEK1/2 activity. PI3K appeared to regulate glucose transport via glucose transporter affinity and/or mobilization. OxLDL also maintained levels of the prosurvival proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L), after CSF-1 had been removed through a combination of mechanisms including transcription, translation, and protein stabilization. Significantly, inhibition of glucose metabolism reduced Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L) protein levels. MEK1/2 and PI3K activities were also required for oxLDL-induced Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L) mRNA upregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that oxLDL enhances macrophage survival in the absence of CSF-1 by inducing PI3K-dependent glucose uptake, which is metabolized to maintain Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L) protein levels.

Attenuated suppression of the oxidative burst by cells dying in the presence of oxidized low density lipoprotein

Macrophages ingesting apoptotic cells attenuate inflammatory responses, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In atherosclerosis, ongoing inflammation and accumulation of apoptotic/necrotic material are observed, suggesting defects of phagocytes in recognizing or responding to dying cells. Modified lipoproteins such as oxidized LDL (oxLDL) are known to promote inflammation and to interfere with apoptotic cell clearance. Here, we studied the impact of cells exposed to oxLDL on their ability to interfere with the oxidative burst in phagocytes. In contrast to apoptotic cells, cells dying in response to or in the presence of oxLDL failed to suppress ROS generation despite efficiently being taken up by phagocytes. In addition, apoptotic cells, but not oxLDL-treated cells, inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, which is important for NADPH oxidase activation. oxLDL treatment did not interfere with activation of the antiinflammatory transcriptional regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma by apoptotic cells. Moreover, cells exposed to oxLDL failed to suppress lipopolysaccharide- induced proinflammatory cytokine expression, whereas apoptotic cells attenuated these phagocyte responses. Thus, the presence of oxLDL during cell death impaired the ability of apoptotic cells to act antiinflammatory with regard to oxidative burst inhibition and cytokine expression in phagocytes.

TRB3, upregulated by ox-LDL, mediates human monocyte-derived macrophage apoptosis

Tribble3 (TRB3), a mammalian homolog of Drosophila tribbles, slows cell-cycle progression, and its expression is increased in response to various stresses. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the TRB3 gene in macrophage apoptosis induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). We found that, in human monocyte-derived macrophages, TRB3 is upregulated by ox-LDL in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cell viability of TRB3-overexpressing macrophages was decreased, but apoptosis was increased and the level of activated caspase-3 increased. Factorial analyses revealed no significant interaction between TRB3 overexpression and ox-LDL stimulation with respect to macrophage apoptosis. Furthermore, TRB3-silenced macrophages showed decreased apoptosis, and TRB3-silenced cells treated with ox-LDL showed significantly increased apoptosis. Silencing of TRB3 and ox-LDL stimulation showed significant interaction for macrophage apoptosis, suggesting that TRB3 knockdown resisted the macrophage apoptosis induced by ox-LDL. Therefore, TRB3 in part mediates the macrophage apoptosis induced by ox-LDL, which suggests that TRB3 might be involved in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque progression.

Monocytes of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia show alterations in cholesterol metabolism

Background

Elevated plasma cholesterol promotes the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in which monocyte-derived lipid-laden macrophages are frequently found. To analyze, if circulating monocytes already show increased lipid content and differences in lipoprotein metabolism, we compared monocytes from patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) with those from healthy individuals.

Methods

Cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol metabolite serum levels of FH and of healthy, gender/age matched control subjects were measured by combined gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy. Monocytes from patients with FH and from healthy subjects were isolated by antibody-assisted density centrifugation. Gene expression profiles of isolated monocytes were measured using Affymetrix HG-U 133 Plus 2.0 microarrays. We compared monocyte gene expression profiles from FH patients with healthy controls using a Welch T-test with correction for multiple testing (p < 0.05; Benjamini Hochberg correction, False Discovery Rate = 0.05). The differential expression of FH associated genes was validated at the mRNA level by qRT-PCR and/or at the protein level by Western Blot or flow cytometry. Functional validation of monocyte scavenger receptor activities were done by binding assays and dose/time dependent uptake analysis using native and oxidized LDL.

Results

Using microarray analysis we found in FH patients a significant up-regulation of 1,617 genes and a down-regulation of 701 genes compared to monocytes from healthy individuals. These include genes of proteins that are involved in the uptake, biosynthesis, disposition, and cellular efflux of cholesterol. In addition, plasma from FH patients contains elevated amounts of sterols and oxysterols. An increased uptake of oxidized as well as of native LDL by FH monocytes combined with a down-regulation of NPC1 and ABCA1 explains the lipid accumulation observed in these cells.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that circulating FH monocytes show differences in cell physiology that may contribute to the early onset of atherosclerosis in this disease.

Different functions of monocyte subsets in familial hypercholesterolemia: potential function of CD14+ CD16+ monocytes in detoxification of oxidized LDL

The study was undertaken to investigate whether the two major monocyte subsets defined by the surface markers CD14(+)CD16(+) and CD14(++)CD16(-) show differences in their responses to hypercholesterolemia. Monocytes were rapidly isolated from the blood of hypercholesterolemic, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-defective familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients and from control persons. Using flow cytometry and uptake, adhesion, and phagocytosis assays as well as laser scanning microscopy, we found significant differences between the monocyte subsets. FH-CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes exhibit an increased uptake of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) via CD36, whereas FH-CD14(++)CD16(-) monocytes preferentially take up native LDL (nLDL). FH-CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes have an increased expression of surface proteins CD68, stabilin-1, and CD11c and a higher adherence to activated endothelial cells in response to oxLDL and nLDL stimulation. In addition, all CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes have an increased ability for phagocytosis and a higher resistance to phagocytosis impairment by oxLDL compared with CD14(++)CD16(-) monocytes. We conclude that FH-CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes have specialized functions in the uptake of oxLDL at activated endothelial cell surfaces, and we hypothesize that these functions are critical for the clearance of oxLDL deposits and apoptotic cells from the vessel wall under hyperlipidemic conditions.

Farnesoid X receptor protects liver cells from apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in vitro and fasting in vivo

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a key metabolic regulator in the liver by maintaining the homeostasis of liver metabolites. Recent findings suggest that FXR may have a much broader function in liver physiology and pathology. In the present work, we identify a novel role of FXR in protecting liver cell from apoptosis induced by nutritional withdrawal including serum deprivation in vitro or starvation in vivo. Two FXR ligands, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and GW4064, rescued HepG2 cells from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. This effect of FXR on apoptotic suppression was compromised when FXR was knocked down by short interfering RNA. Similarly, the effects of both CDCA and GW4064 were abolished after inhibition of the MAPK pathway by a specific inhibitor of MAPK kinase 1/2. Immunoblotting results indicated that FXR activation by CDCA and GW4064 induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was attenuated by serum deprivation. In vivo, FXR(-/-) mice exhibited an exacerbated liver apoptosis and lower levels of phosphorylated-ERK1/2 compared to wild-type mice after starvation. In conclusion, our results suggest a novel role of FXR in modulating liver cell apoptosis.