骨髓间充质干细胞培养液促进STAT3磷酸化诱导Raw264.7细胞向M2型极化

炎症性疾病的发生是当今临床医学攻克的重点。M1型巨噬细胞分泌炎症因子产生炎症,而M2型巨噬细胞分泌抑炎因子抑制炎症的发生。M1型巨噬细胞向M2型极化,则是从炎症状态转变成抑制炎症发生的状态,因此研究巨噬细胞向缓解炎症的M2型极化将有利于炎症性疾病的治疗。本研究利用骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSC)培养液处理已被脂多糖(LPS)诱导呈M1型的Raw264.7巨噬细胞,探究骨髓间充质干细胞培养液(BMSC-CM)对巨噬细胞向M2型极化的影响及其分子机制。提取来源于3周龄C57BL/6鼠的骨髓间充质干细胞;再收集BMSC-CM处理M1型的Raw264.7巨噬细胞;半定量PCR检测M1型标记基因[肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和诱导型一氧化氮合酶(INOS)]和M2型标记基因[精氨酸酶1(ARG-1)和转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)]mRNA表达以及白介素10(IL-10)mRNA表达水平;Western蛋白质印迹法检测信号传导及转录激活蛋白3(STAT3)和磷酸化STAT3(p-STAT3)的表达。本研究发现,经过BMSC-CM培养后的M1型的Raw264.7巨噬细胞,其M2型相关指标ARG-1和TGF-β1 mRNA水平明显上升,并且IL-10 mRNA水平和p-STAT3蛋白水平也明显上升。这些结果说明,骨髓间充质干细胞培养液通过IL-10/STAT3信号通路促进STAT3磷酸化,诱导巨噬细胞Raw264.7细胞向M2型极化。     

JNK通路对M2巨噬细胞极化及其肿瘤效应的影响

探究了JNK通路对M2巨噬细胞极化及M2介导的促肿瘤效应的影响。构建单核细胞THP1来源M2 巨噬细胞模型(THP1-M2),将细胞分为3组: 用PMA 诱导的未活化巨噬细胞组(M0),用PMA、IL-4处理及阴性干扰(DMSO)的M2型巨噬细胞组(M2),用特异性抑制剂阻断JNK通路的M2 型巨噬细胞组(M2-JNKI)。实时荧光定量PCR检测M2 表型marker基因的表达;免疫蛋白印迹法检测M2 表型marker蛋白水平;细胞划痕试验检测巨噬细胞迁移能力;流式细胞数检测786O及OSRC2凋亡。结果与THP1-M2组相比,阻断JNK通路的M2组M2表型marker表达明显下降,同时其细胞迁移能力也呈下降趋势。且阻断JNK通路后,M2巨噬细胞抑制肾癌细胞凋亡的能力减弱。结果表明,抑制JNK通路后,M2巨噬细胞极化状态受损,其促肿瘤效应可转变为抗肿瘤效应。     

维生素D3对黄颡鱼头肾极化分型的巨噬细胞影响

研究以黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)头肾巨噬细胞为研究对象,通过细菌脂多糖(LPS)和环磷酸腺苷(cAMP)分别诱导M1型和M2型极化,200 pmol/L维生素D₃孵育后对其形态学特征、生物学功能及极化相关基因的表达进行分析鉴定来确定维生素D₃在巨噬细胞极化中的调节作用。结果表明,维生素D₃能降低诱导后M1型和M2型巨噬细胞的死亡率,并增强巨噬细胞的吞噬活性。在M1型巨噬细胞中维生素D₃能够抑制活性氧(ROS)和炎症介质一氧化氮(NO)的产生,降低超氧阴离子自由基的活力,白介素1β(IL-1β)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的表达水平显著降低(P<0.05);在M2型细胞中能够增加精氨酸酶的活性,显著增加白介素10(IL-10)和转化生长因子(TGF-β)的表达水平(P<0.05),最终抑制巨噬细胞向M1表型极化,促进巨噬细胞向M2表型极化,发挥抗炎作用;黄颡鱼头肾巨噬细胞中Nos-2和Arg-2分别是M1和M2巨噬细胞的生物标记基因。研究结果为进一步研究鱼...     

巨噬细胞极化在类风湿关节炎中的作用

类风湿关节炎(rheumatiod arthritis,RA)是侵犯骨和关节为主的多系统炎症的自身免疫性疾病。巨噬细胞具有吞噬?趋化?免疫调节等功能,参与特异性和非特异性免疫应答,其在RA的发生发展中起到至关重要的作用。巨噬细胞不同亚型极化及其作用是近年来RA的致病机制的研究热点。巨噬细胞主要分为经典活化M1型和选择活化M2型。RA患者机体内免疫炎症反应直接影响外周血、滑膜和滑液巨噬细胞的极化,使M1型促炎性巨噬细胞不断增加,从而打破M1/M2平衡状态。现总结巨噬细胞的极化及其在RA发生发展中的作用?     

PPAR-γ作用及其相关信号转导途径

过氧化物酶增殖物激活受体(peroxisomeproliferater-activatedreceptor,PPAR)是一类配体激活的核转录因子超家族成员,包括PPAR-α、PPAR-β/δ和PPAR-γ三种表型,其中以PPAR-γ的研究最为深入。PPAR-γ通过JAK-STAT、激活蛋白-1(AP-1)、NF-κB、活化T细胞核因子信号通路(NFAT)来抑制炎症反应;通过抑制泡沫细胞(foamcell)的分化、炎症反应以及细胞增殖来抑制动脉粥样硬化的发生发展;通过磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶(PI3K)、瘦素、脂链素等信号通路来参与糖稳态的调节;通过细胞周期的调控来影响肿瘤生长;参与脂肪细胞分化并与肥胖密切相关。明确这些相关信号通路以及相关细胞因子的作用,可对相关疾病机制及防治进一步提供有力依据和干预途径。     

miR-203下调TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB信号通路诱导M2型巨噬细胞极化

目的:验证miR-203通过与TLR4 mRNA的3'-UTR特异性结合下调TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB信号通路诱导M2型巨噬细胞极化。方法:通过miRanda软件预测TLR4 mRNA 3'-UTR存在mi R-203结合位点。根据TLR4 mRNA 3'-UTR序列设计目的基因片段以及突变型目的基因片段,以pmirGLO为载体构建双荧光素酶报告基因野生型载体(pmirGLO-TLR4 3'-UTR)及其突变型载体(pmirGLO-mut-TLR4 3'-UTR)。将293T细胞共转染pmirGLO-TLR4 3'-UTR质粒或pmirGLO-mut-TLR4 3'-UTR质粒及mmu-mi R-203-3p mimics或mimic NC,通过双荧光素酶报告基因系统验证mi R-203可以与TLR4 m RNA的3'-UTR特异性结合,通过Real-time PCR及Western blot验证小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7转染了mmu-miR-203-3p mimics、mimic NC后,M1型巨噬细胞markers (i NOS, TNF-α, CCL-3, IL-23),M2型巨噬细胞markers (Arg-1, CX3CR1, IL-4, MRC, IL-10, Ym-1)及TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB信号通路的表达。使用TLR4抑制剂TAK-242抑制小鼠巨噬细胞TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB信号通路后,转染mmu-miR-203-3p mimics、mimic NC,再次检测M1,M2型巨噬细胞markers及TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB信号通路的表达。结果:双荧光素酶报告基因系统显示293T细胞转染了pmirGLO-TLR4 3'-UTR质粒及mmu-miR-203-3p mimics后,其相对荧光素酶活性△CT较转染了pmirGLO-mut-TLR4 3'-UTR质粒或者mimic NC均有显著降低,其差异达到统计学意义(P0.05)。Real-time PCR及Western blot显示转染了mmu-miR-203-3p mimics的小鼠巨噬细胞M1型巨噬细胞markers (i NOS, TNF-α, CCL-3, IL-23)表达减少,M2型巨噬细胞markers (Arg-1, CX3CR1, IL-4, MRC, IL-10, Ym-1)表达增加,同时伴有TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB信号通路表达下调,而通过给予TAK-242抑制了mmu-miR-203-3p mimics下调TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB信号通路及诱导M2型巨噬细胞极化的作用。结论:mi R-203与TLR4 m RNA的3'-UTR特异性结合下调TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB信号通路诱导M2型巨噬细胞极化。     

即早基因c-fos在THP-1单核巨噬细胞亚型极化中的差异表达*

目的:探讨即早基因c-fos在THP-1巨噬细胞亚型极化过程中的表达变化。方法:运用PMA刺激诱导THP-1单核细胞极化为巨噬细胞,观察c-fos在单核细胞极化过程中的表达变化;在PMA刺激的基础上,分别运用LPS和IL-4诱导THP-1巨噬细胞向M1及M2亚型极化,实时定量PCR及Western blot技术分析刺激24 h时,细胞亚型标记物CD274、CD86和CD163的表达变化,并动态观察诱导极化过程中,c-fos的表达情况。结果:c-fos在PMA刺激THP-1单核细胞分化为巨噬细胞过程中蛋白和mRNA水平显示上调;LPS诱导THP-1巨噬细胞极化为M1型过程中,c-fos蛋白和mRNA水平表达降低,其特异性标记物在24 h呈现出M1型极化的特点(CD86蛋白表达升高,CD274、CD163蛋白表达降低);IL-4诱导THP-1巨噬细胞极化为M2型过程中,c-fos蛋白和mRNA水平表达升高,其特异性标记物在24 h表现出M2型极化的特点(CD86蛋白表达降低,CD274、CD163蛋白表达升高)。结论:c-fos参与了THP-1单核细胞向巨噬细胞极化的过程,并且可能通过抑制巨噬细胞M1亚型形成,促进巨噬细胞向M2亚型极化的作用参与巨噬细胞的亚型极化及其功能调节中。     

巨噬细胞炎症状态与过氧化物酶体增殖的相关性研究

肥胖引起巨噬细胞浸润机体组织,诱发慢性低度炎症反应,是形成胰岛素抵抗的重要诱因。因此研究影响巨噬细胞炎症状态的因素,有助于深入了解胰岛素抵抗的形成机理。该文通过免疫荧光、Real-time PCR等技术,研究巨噬细胞炎症状态与胞内过氧化物酶体数量之间的关系。结果表明,当巨噬细胞极化为炎症状态的M1型,胞内过氧化物酶体数量变化不显著;当巨噬细胞极化为抗炎状态的M2型,胞内过氧化物酶体数量显著升高。当饱和脂肪酸诱导巨噬细胞极化为炎症状态的类M1型,胞内过氧化物酶体数量变化不显著;当不饱和脂肪酸诱导的抗炎症状态的类M2型,胞内过氧化物酶体数量显著升高。此外,使用过氧化物酶体增殖缺陷型(Pex3~(–/–))巨噬细胞重复上述实验,也可以极化为M2/类M2型,呈现抗炎状态,但胞内过氧化物酶体数量无显著变化。综上所述,该研究发现巨噬细胞M2/类M2型极化能够诱导胞内过氧化物酶体增殖,但过氧化物酶体增殖不是M2/类M2型极化的必要条件。     

血小板反应蛋白4通过诱导肿瘤相关巨噬细胞M2型极化促进肝癌细胞转移

血小板反应蛋白4 (thrombospondin 4, THBS4) 属于THBS家族成员,是细胞外基质分泌的蛋白质,参与调控细胞增殖、黏附及血管生成等多种生理过程。近来研究表明,机体在炎症刺激下加速产生THBS4并诱导巨噬细胞粘附与积累。我们的前期研究证实,THBS4在肝癌(hepatocellular carcinoma,HCC)中发挥促癌作用,但THBS4对肝癌免疫微环境的影响尚不明确。本文旨在分析THBS4通过诱导肿瘤相关巨噬细胞M2型极化,促进肝癌细胞转移的作用。通过肝癌条件培养基(HCC conditioned medium,HCM)模拟肿瘤微环境,发现在HCM作用下巨噬细胞中THBS4表达呈时间依赖性升高(P＜0.05);下调THBS4促使M1型巨噬细胞标志物IL-1β、CD86的表达升高(P＜0.01),而M2型标志物 IL-10和CD206表达降低(P＜0.01)。进一步通过Transwell共培养实验检测THBS4诱导的M2型巨噬细胞对肝癌转移的影响。将下调THBS4的M2型巨噬细胞(M2-TAMs)与HepG2肝癌细胞进行共培养。结果显示,下调THBS4的M2-TAMs明显抑制了HepG2细胞的侵袭和迁移能力(P均＜0.01)。综上所述,肿瘤微环境促进巨噬细胞中THBS4表达,THBS4可能通过诱导巨噬细胞M2型极化促进肝癌细胞侵袭转移。本文为探究THBS4诱导肝癌免疫微环境的建立提供了一些新的实验依据。     

含patatin 样磷脂酶结构域蛋白 7 通过过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ促进巨噬细胞M2型极化

溶血磷脂酰胆碱 (LPC) 在免疫反应、组织炎症和重塑中调控巨噬细胞极化的动态和整体过程。含patatin 样磷脂酶结构域蛋白 7 (PNPLA7)是近年发现的优先水解LPC 的溶血磷脂酶。然而,直到现在仍不清楚PNPLA7在巨噬细胞极化中的表达和作用。本研究发现 ,PNPLA7 在白细胞介素 4 (IL-4) 刺激的巨噬细胞向替代激活 (M2) 表型的极化过程中上调 (P<0.05) 。本文发现,PNPLA7 的敲低和过表达分别降低和增加了M2 标记基因,包括精氨酸酶 1 (Arg1) 和类几丁质酶 3 (Ym1)的表达 (P<0.05)。进一步的研究表明,PNPLA7 在 M2 极化过程中调节过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(PPARγ) 在 mRNA 和蛋白质水平上的表达 (P<0.05)。然而,信号转导和转录激活因子 6 (STAT6) 的磷酸化不受 PNPLA7 的影响。这些发现表明,PNPLA7 通过PPARγ相关机制促进巨噬细胞抗炎 M2 型极化。     

Macrophage differentiation and polarization via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt-ERK signaling pathway conferred by serum amyloid P component

Macrophage differentiation and polarization is influenced by, and act on, many processes associated with autoimmunity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage polarization in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain largely debated. We previously demonstrated that macrophage M2b polarization conferred by activated lymphocyte-derived (ALD)-DNA immunization could initiate and propagate murine lupus nephritis. Serum amyloid P component (SAP), a conserved acute-phase protein in mice, has been reported to bind to DNA and modulate immune responses. In this study, murine SAP was shown to promote macrophage-mediated ALD-DNA uptake through binding to ALD-DNA (SAP/ALD-DNA). Moreover, macrophage phenotypic switch from a proinflammatory M2b phenotype induced by ALD-DNA alone to an anti-inflammatory M2a phenotype stimulated with SAP/ALD-DNA were found because of PI3K/Akt-ERK signaling activation. Both in vivo SAP supplements and adoptive transfer of ex vivo programmed M2a macrophages induced by SAP/ALD-DNA into SLE mice could efficiently alleviate lupus nephritis. Importantly, increased IL-10 secretion, accompanied by anti-inflammatory effect exerted by M2a macrophages, was found to predominantly impede macrophage M2b polarization. Furthermore, neutralization of IL-10 notably reduced the suppressive effect of M2a macrophages. Our results demonstrate that binding of SAP to ALD-DNA could switch macrophage phenotypic polarization from proinflammatory M2b to anti-inflammatory M2a via PI3K/Akt-ERK signaling activation, thus exerting protective and therapeutic interventions on murine lupus nephritis. These data provide a possible molecular mechanism responsible for modulation of macrophage polarization in the context of lupus nephritis and open a new potential therapeutic avenue for SLE.     

Dynamic expression of microRNAs in M2b polarized macrophages associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Macrophage polarization contributes to the initiation and perpetuation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our previous study demonstrated that M2b polarized macrophages induced by activated lymphocyte-derived DNA (ALD-DNA) have a crucial function in the initiation and progress of SLE disease. Accumulated data suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as critical regulators to control macrophage polarization. To investigate miRNA regulation during macrophage M2b polarization of SLE, miRNA microarrays of murine bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) were performed following stimulation with ALD-DNA for 6 and 36 h. Over 11% of the 1111 analyzed miRNAs appeared differentially expressed during ALD-DNA triggered macrophage M2b polarization. Cluster analysis revealed certain patterns in miRNA expression that are closely linked to ALD-DNA induced macrophage M2b polarization. Analysis of the network structure showed that the predicted functions of the differentially regulated miRNAs at 6 h are significantly associated with inflammatory response and disease. Differentially regulated miRNAs identified at 36 h were determined to be significantly related to cell proliferation by biological network analysis. In this study, dynamic miRNA expression patterns and network analysis are described for the first time during ALD-DNA induced macrophage M2b polarization. The data not only provide a better understanding of miRNA-mediated macrophage polarization but also demonstrate the future therapeutic potential of targeting miRNAs in SLE patients.     

Curcumin steers THP-1 cells under LPS and mTORC1 challenges toward phenotypically resting,low cytokine-producing macrophages

The persistent activation of intestinal mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) triggered by mucosal stress has been linked to deregulation of the gut immune response resulting in intestinal inflammation and cell death. The present study investigated the regulatory properties of food-derived mTORC1 modulators, curcumin, and piperine, toward the polarization of stimulated macrophages and the differentiation of monocytes at two mTORC1 activity levels (baseline and elevated). To that end, we created stable human THP-1 monocytes exhibiting normal or constitutively active mTORC1. Curcumin or its combination with piperine, but not piperine alone, suppressed mTORC1 kinase activity, curtailed lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory response of THP-1 macrophages, and repressed macrophage activation by inhibiting signaling pathways involved in M1 (mTORC1) and M2 (mTORC2 and cAMP response element binding protein) polarization. The effects of piperine in the curcumin/piperine combination were modest overall, indicating it was curcumin that modulated differentiating monocytes into acquiring a M0 macrophage phenotype characterized by low inflammatory cytokine output.     

Molecular mechanism for adiponectin-dependent M2 macrophage polarization: link between the metabolic and innate immune activity of full-length adiponectin

The anti-inflammatory effects of globular adiponectin (gAcrp) are mediated by IL-10/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)-dependent pathways. Although full-length (flAcrp) adiponectin also suppresses LPS-induced pro-inflammatory signaling, its signaling mechanisms are not yet understood. The aim of this study was to examine the differential mechanisms by which gAcrp and flAcrp suppress pro-inflammatory signaling in macrophages. Chronic ethanol feeding increased LPS-stimulated TNF-α expression by Kupffer cells, associated with a shift to an M1 macrophage polarization. Both gAcrp and flAcrp suppressed TNF-α expression in Kupffer cells; however, only the effect of gAcrp was dependent on IL-10. Similarly, inhibition of HO-1 activity or siRNA knockdown of HO-1 in RAW264.7 macrophages only partially attenuated the suppressive effects of flAcrp on MyD88-dependent and -independent cytokine signatures. Instead, flAcrp, acting via the adiponectin R2 receptor, potently shifted the polarization of Kupffer cells and RAW264.7 macrophages to an M2 phenotype. gAcrp, acting via the adiponectin R1 receptor, was much less effective at eliciting an M2 pattern of gene expression. M2 polarization was also partially dependent on AMP-activated kinase. flAcrp polarized RAW264.7 macrophages to an M2 phenotype in an IL-4/STAT6-dependent mechanism. flAcrp also increased the expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation in RAW264.7 macrophages, similar to the effect of flAcrp on hepatocytes. In summary, these data demonstrate that gAcrp and flAcrp utilize differential signaling strategies to decrease the sensitivity of macrophages to activation by TLR4 ligands, with flAcrp utilizing an IL-4/STAT6-dependent mechanism to shift macrophage polarization to the M2/anti-inflammatory phenotype.     

Prostaglandin E3 attenuates macrophage-associated inflammation and prostate tumour growth by modulating polarization

Alternative polarization of macrophages regulates multiple biological processes. While M1-polarized macrophages generally mediate rapid immune responses, M2-polarized macrophages induce chronic and mild immune responses. In either case, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-derived lipid mediators act as both products and regulators of macrophages. Prostaglandin E₃ (PGE₃) is an eicosanoid derived from eicosapentaenoic acid, which is converted by cyclooxygenase, followed by prostaglandin E synthase successively. We found that PGE₃ played an anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting LPS and interferon-γ-induced M1 polarization and promoting interleukin-4-mediated M2 polarization (M2a). Further, we found that although PGE₃ had no direct effect on the growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro, PGE₃ could inhibit prostate cancer in vivo in a nude mouse model of neoplasia. Notably, we found that PGE₃ significantly inhibited prostate cancer cell growth in a cancer cell-macrophage co-culture system. Experimental results showed that PGE₃ inhibited the polarization of tumour-associated M2 macrophages (TAM), consequently producing indirect anti-tumour activity. Mechanistically, we identified that PGE₃ regulated the expression and activation of protein kinase A, which is critical for macrophage polarization. In summary, this study indicates that PGE₃ can selectively promote M2a polarization, while inhibiting M1 and TAM polarization, thus exerting an anti-inflammatory effect and anti-tumour effect in prostate cancer.     

Sphingosine 1-phosphate induced anti-atherogenic and atheroprotective M2 macrophage polarization through IL-4

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has been implicated in anti-atherogenic properties of high-density lipoproteins. However, the roles and signaling of S1P in macrophages, the main contributor to atherosclerosis, have not been well studied. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotypes may influence the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we investigated the effects of S1P on macrophage phenotypes, especially on M2 polarization and its signaling in relation to the anti-atherogenic properties of S1P. It was found that S1P induced anti-inflammatory M2 polarization via IL-4 secretion and its signaling, and induced IL-4Rα and IL-2Rγ. In addition, down-stream signalings, such as, stat-6 phosphorylation, SOCS1 induction, and SOCS3 suppression were also observed in macrophages in response to S1P. Furthermore, S1P-induced ERK activation, and the inhibitions of p38 MAPK and JNK were found to be key signals for IL-4 induction. Moreover, the anti-atherogenic effect of S1P in HDL was confirmed by the observation that oxidized LDL-induced lipid accumulation was attenuated in S1P-treated M2 macrophages. Furthermore, the atheroprotective effect of S1P was demonstrated by its anti-apoptotic effect on S1P-treated macrophages. The present study shows that S1P-induced M2 polarization of macrophages could be mediated via IL-4 signaling, and suggests that M2 polarization by S1P is responsible for the anti-atherogenic and atheroprotective properties of high-density lipoproteins in vivo.     

微RNA介导巨噬细胞极化的转录后调控

巨噬细胞极化是根据周围刺激环境做出表型调节的一个过程.一般极化为2个表型,分别为经典激活的M1巨噬细胞和替代激活的M2巨噬细胞.简而言之,M1巨噬细胞的特征是促炎和抗肿瘤;M2巨噬细胞是抗炎和促肿瘤.巨噬细胞极化被认为是人体生理和病理的关键调节器,其发挥作用的有效性依赖于关键因子的协调表达,而这些关键因子的表达在转录后...     

Adiponectin Promotes Macrophage Polarization toward an Anti-inflammatory Phenotype

It is established that the adipocyte-derived cytokine adiponectin protects against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, but the effect of this adipokine on macrophage polarization, an important mediator of disease progression, has never been assessed. We hypothesized that adiponectin modulates macrophage polarization from that resembling a classically activated M1 phenotype to that resembling alternatively-activated M2 cells. Peritoneal macrophages and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells of adipose tissue isolated from adiponectin knock-out mice displayed increased M1 markers, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and decreased M2 markers, including arginase-1, macrophage galactose N-acetyl-galactosamine specific lectin-1, and interleukin-10. The systemic delivery of adenovirus expressing adiponectin significantly augmented arginase-1 expression in peritoneal macrophages and SVF cells in both wild-type and adiponectin knock-out mice. In culture, the treatment of macrophages with recombinant adiponectin protein led to an increase in the levels of M2 markers and a reduction of reactive oxygen species and reactive oxygen species-related gene expression. Adiponectin also stimulated the expression of M2 markers and attenuated the expression of M1 markers in human monocyte-derived macrophages and SVF cells isolated from human adipose tissue. These data show that adiponectin functions as a regulator of macrophage polarization, and they indicate that conditions of high adiponectin expression may deter metabolic and cardiovascular disease progression by favoring an anti-inflammatory phenotype in macrophages.     

Low density receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) promotes anti-inflammatory phenotype in murine macrophages

We have previously reported that apolipoprotein E (apoE), a protein component of very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and high-density lipoproteins and a potent plasma-borne atheroprotective factor, exerts anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages by switching the activation profile from M1 (“classic”) to M2 (“alternative”) in a process involving signaling via low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family members including the VLDL receptor (VLDLR) or apoE receptor-2 (apoER2). The present study was undertaken to investigate whether LDLR-related protein 1 (LRP-1), another member of the LDLR family and a ubiquitously expressed multifunctional cell surface receptor, modulates M1→M2 conversion in murine macrophages. We investigate bone marrow or peritoneal macrophages isolated from wild-type C57/Bl6 mice or mice with conditional inactivation of the LRP-1 gene in the myeloid lineage for the expression of polarization markers. Our results suggest that the deficiency of LRP-1 down-regulates M2 marker expression in macrophages, while enhancing the macrophage response to M1 stimuli. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that LRP-1 affects macrophage polarization and promotes the development of an anti-inflammatory M2 functional phenotype.