LOX-1特异性小发夹RNA 表达载体的构建及其对巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞形成的影响

[摘　要]　目的：靶向血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体-1基因的发卡样siRNA(shRNA)表达载体及其对巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞形成的影响。方法：(1)采用DNA重组技术,将LOX-1 shRNA双链与线性化pGenesil-1质粒表达载体连接,脂质体法转染小鼠单核巨噬细胞（RAW264.7）,半定量逆转录聚合酶链反应法检测LOX-1 mRNA的表达,Western blot法检测LOX-1蛋白的表达。(2) Ox-LDL诱导巨噬细胞建立泡沫细胞模型, LOX-1-shRNA进行干预,干预组使用脂质体法进行细胞转染,转染24小时后,再加入Ox-LDL作用24小时,用油红O染色法及细胞内游离胆固醇及总胆固醇测定法观察对泡沫细胞形成的影响,倒置荧光显微镜观察转染LOX-1 shRNA后RAW264.7细胞对Dil-ox-LDL的摄取率。结果：测序鉴定发现插入的发卡样序列正确,成功合成了发卡样LOX-1基因RNA干扰表达载体;靶向LOX-1基因的发卡样shRNA表达载体转染RAW264.7细胞后,其LOX-1基因和蛋白表达显著下调, 同时可抑制巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞形成及对Dil-ox-LDL的摄取。结论：成功构建了能有效抑制LOX-1 mRNA表达的发卡样LOX-1基因RNA干扰表达载体,并在一定程度上能抑制巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞的形成,为进一步利用RNA干扰技术防治动脉粥样硬化提供理论基础。     

研究: 脂联素经肝X受体α途径对RAW 264.7巨噬细胞ABCG1表达的影响

泡沫细胞形成是动脉粥样硬化发生的关键环节,胆固醇逆转运可以防止泡沫细胞形成,ATP结合盒转运体G1(ATP-binding cassette transporter G1,ABCG1)在胆固醇逆转运中起着很重要的作用,可将细胞内胆固醇转运至高密度脂蛋白(high density lipoprotein,HDL)．肝X受体α (liver X receptor α,LXRα)可通过调节其靶基因ABCG1的表达来调控胆固醇逆转运．脂联素有很广泛的心血管保护作用,但对RAW 264.7巨噬细胞ABCG1表达的影响尚不清楚．为了研究脂联素对RAW 264.7巨噬细胞ABCG1表达的影响及其机制,采用实时荧光定量PCR、蛋白质印迹法检测ABCG1和LXRα的表达,使用液体闪烁计数仪检测胆固醇流出率,并利用siRNA干扰技术抑制LXRα的表达来研究LXRα在脂联素调节ABCG1中的作用．结果表明,脂联素浓度依赖性和时间依赖性地上调ABCG1和LXRα的mRNA和蛋白质的表达,促进巨噬细胞胆固醇流出．经LXRα siRNA处理后,脂联素上调ABCG1的作用消失,胆固醇流出率也相应减少．上述结果提示,脂联素经LXRα途径促进RAW 264.7巨噬细胞ABCG1表达和胆固醇流出,防止泡沫细胞形成,减轻动脉粥样硬化．     

nAChRα1调控尼古丁促进巨噬细胞RAW264.7增殖迁移的作用研究

目的:探讨nAChRα1是否参与调节尼古丁促进巨噬细胞RAW264.7增殖迁移的作用。方法:将体外培养的RAW264.7细胞分4组为:(1)正常对照组;(2)尼古丁组;(3)对照干扰+尼古丁组;(4)nAChRα1干扰+尼古丁组。用尼古丁(5 ng/mL)刺激巨噬细胞RAW264.7,特异性nAChRα1 si RNA用脂质体3000转染细胞,CCK-8法检测尼古丁处理3 h、24 h和48 h后细胞的增殖情况,细胞划痕实验检测细胞迁移情况,Western blot和RT-PCR检测细胞内nAChRα1、MMP-2、MMP-9的蛋白和mRNA的表达情况。结果:与空白对照组相比,尼古丁可显著促进RAW264.7细胞的增殖和迁移,增加nAChRα1、MMP-2、MMP-9的蛋白和mRNA表达;而在干扰nAChRα1表达后,尼古丁诱导的RAW264.7细胞的增殖和迁移明显被抑制,且细胞nAChRα1、MMP-2、MMP-9的蛋白和mRNA表达均显著的降低。结论:nAChRα1可介导尼古丁促进RAW264.7细胞的增殖和迁移,这可能与其参与调控尼古丁增加RAW264.7细胞分泌MMP-2、MMP-9有关。     

脂联素经肝X受体α途径对RAW 264.7巨噬细胞ABCG1表达的影响

泡沫细胞形成是动脉粥样硬化发生的关键环节,胆固醇逆转运可以防止泡沫细胞形成,ATP结合盒转运体G1(ATP-binding cassette transporter G1,ABCG1)在胆固醇逆转运中起着很重要的作用,可将细胞内胆固醇转运至高密度脂蛋白(high density lipoprotein,HDL).肝X受体α(liver X receptorα,LXRα)可通过调节其靶基因ABCG1的表达来调控胆固醇逆转运.脂联素有很广泛的心血管保护作用,但对RAW 264.7巨噬细胞ABCG1表达的影响尚不清楚.为了研究脂联素对RAW 264.7巨噬细胞ABCG1表达的影响及其机制,采用实时荧光定量PCR、蛋白质印迹法检测ABCG1和LXRα的表达,使用液体闪烁计数仪检测胆固醇流出率,并利用siRNA干扰技术抑制LXRα的表达来研究LXRα在脂联素调节ABCG1中的作用.结果表明,脂联素浓度依赖性和时间依赖性地上调ABCG1和LXRα的mRNA和蛋白质的表达,促进巨噬细胞胆固醇流出.经LXRα siRNA处理后,脂联素上调ABCG1的作用消失,胆固醇流出率也相应减少.上述结果提示,脂联素经LXRα途径促进RAW 264.7巨噬细胞ABCG1表达和胆固醇流出,防止泡沫细胞形成,减轻动脉粥样硬化.     

高表达和敲减adipophilin对细胞内ERK1/2活性、PPARγ表达和细胞内脂质蓄积的影响

本课题组以前的研究表明,adipophilin通过ERK1/2-PPARγ信号转导通路促进细胞内的脂质蓄积.为了研究高表达和敲减adipophilin是否影响RAW264.7细胞内ERK1/2的活性、PPARγ的表达以及细胞内的脂质蓄积,从而进一步证实这一通路,阐明adipophilin促进泡沫细胞形成的机制.重组pQCXIP-HA-Adipophilin和pSuper-retro-adipophilin siRNA逆转录病毒载体经酶切检测证实,并用SofastTM介导转染到包装细胞PA317中,经培养后释放逆转录病毒.将收集的逆转录病毒感染RAW264.7细胞,经嘌呤霉素筛选后获得稳定高表达和敲减adipophilin的细胞系.用50 mg/L的氧化低密度脂蛋白处理细胞24 h后,用油红O染色法和高效液相色谱法测定细胞内的脂质蓄积情况,用半定量RT-PCR和蛋白质印迹分别检测adipophilin和PPARγ的mRNA和蛋白质的表达,用蛋白质印迹对与动脉粥样硬化发病有关的ERK1/2及其磷酸化进行检测.酶切结果表明,pQCXIP-HA-Adipophilin和pSuper-retro-adipophilin siRNA重组逆转录病毒载体构建成功.在荷脂情况下,pQCXIP-HA-Adipophilin转染的细胞能明显增加细胞内的脂质蓄积,但使PPARγ的表达和ERK1/2的磷酸化下调,这些作用可被adipophilin siRNA逆转.结果表明,adipophilin与泡沫细胞的形成有关,adipophilin可能是通过ERK1/2-PPARγ途径促进细胞内的脂质蓄积.     

胞外酸化经ASIC1/RIP1途径抑制TFEB介导的巨噬细胞脂噬

目的 探讨胞外酸化对巨噬细胞脂噬的影响及其作用机制。方法 采用RAW264.7巨噬细胞,以pH 6.5培养液与 25 mg/L氧化低密度脂蛋白（ox-LDL）共孵育24 h构建胞外酸化诱导的泡沫细胞模型。分别以ASIC1特异性阻断剂PcTx-1和RIP1抑制剂Nec-1干预胞外酸化诱导的RAW264.7巨噬细胞24 h,油红O染色检测细胞内脂质蓄积;蛋白质印迹（Western blot）检测总ASIC1、膜ASIC1、p-RIP1 Ser166、p-TFEB Ser142、LC3和p62蛋白的表达;激光共聚焦显微镜观察脂滴（Bodipy示踪）与自噬标志物LC3II和LAMP1共定位;透射电镜观察细胞内脂滴和脂噬泡的数量变化;胆固醇荧光试剂盒检测ABCA1介导的胆固醇流出。结果 与pH 7.4组相比较,pH 6.5胞外酸化组胞内的脂质蓄积和细胞质膜上的ASIC1蛋白表达显著增加,p-RIP1Ser166、p-TFEB Ser142水平升高,LC3II蛋白减少和p62蛋白增加,脂滴与LC3II和LAMP1的共定位都分别减少,细胞内的脂滴数量显著增加,自噬体和脂噬泡的数量则明显减少,ABCA1介导的巨噬细胞内胆固醇流出显著减少。然而,胞外酸化对RAW264.7巨噬细胞的上述效应能被ASIC1特异性阻断剂PcTx-1和RIP1抑制剂Nec-1所取消。结论 胞外酸化经激活ASIC1/RIP1途径促进TFEB磷酸化抑制巨噬细胞脂噬,ASIC1可能是防治动脉粥样硬化等脂质蓄积疾病的新靶点。     

氧化低密度脂蛋白诱导巨噬细胞内质网应激及CD36的可能作用

本文旨在研究在鼠源巨噬细胞泡沫化过程中氧化低密度脂蛋白(oxidized low density lipoprotein,ox-LDL)对巨噬细胞内质网应激(endoplasmic reticulum stress,ERS)的诱导作用及其机制。体外培养RAW264.7巨噬细胞,分别给予ox-LDL(25、50和100mg/L)、抗CD36抗体+ox-LDL和衣霉素(tunicamycin,TM)等不同处理。采用油红O染色观察细胞内脂质蓄积情况,酶比色法测定细胞内总胆固醇含量,免疫细胞化学法检测ERS标志分子糖调节蛋白94(glucose-regulated protein94,GRP94)表达,免疫印迹法检测GRP94及未折叠蛋白反应关键分子p-IRE1(phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme1)和X盒结合蛋白1(X box binding protein1,XBP1)蛋白表达水平。结果显示,不同浓度(25、50和100mg/L)ox-LDL处理细胞24h后,胞浆内可见大量油红O染色阳性脂质颗粒,细胞内总胆固醇含量明显增加,分别为空白对照组的2.1倍、2.8倍和3.1倍;使用抗CD36抗体阻断ox-LDL的摄入,可显著减少100mg/Lox-LDL所致的细胞内胆固醇蓄积。不同浓度ox-LDL和ERS诱导剂TM均可显著增加GRP94及其上游信号分子p-IRE1和XBP1蛋白表达,且表达强度随着ox-LDL诱导浓度的增加而增强;抗CD36抗体显著抑制100mg/Lox-LDL所致的上述3种蛋白表达上调。上述结果提示,ox-LDL可呈剂量依赖性诱导RAW264.7巨噬细胞产生ERS,激活未折叠蛋白反应信号通路;该过程可能由清道夫受体CD36所介导。     

肌动蛋白解聚对巨噬细胞TLRs的表达及细胞凋亡的影响

在肺癌等的癌细胞中,脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide, LPS)等致炎因子介导的促瘤效应涉及Toll样受体(Toll like receptors, TLRs)/纤维型肌动蛋白(fibrous actin, F-actin)通路。该研究探讨了外源性松胞菌素D(cytochalasin D, cytD)和细胞内源过表达的重组肌动蛋白解聚因子丝切蛋白(Cofilin-1)所诱导的肌动蛋白解聚对巨噬细胞TLR2、TLR4和TLR9的表达和细胞凋亡水平的影响。分别用6种不同浓度的cytD处理RAW264.7小鼠巨噬细胞48 h,用Western blot检测6组细胞TLR2、TLR4、TLR9的表达水平。构建重组pEGFP-N1-Cofilin-1质粒并转染RAW264.7细胞,设置空质粒对照和空白细胞对照组。用Real-time PCR法和Western blot检测细胞转染前后Cofilin-1表达水平;Western blot检测巨噬细胞TLR2、TLR4、TLR9的表达情况;用流式细胞术检测3组细胞的凋亡水平。结果显示,终浓度≥1.5μmol/L的cytD处理细胞后, RAW264.7细胞表达TLR2明显降低(P0.05);终浓度≥1.0μmol/L的cytD处理细胞后,巨噬细胞表达TLR4、TLR9明显降低(P0.05)。重组质粒转染组细胞的cofilin-1 mRNA及Cofilin-1蛋白水平均高于空质粒对照组和空白细胞对照组(P0.05),且其TLR2、TLR4、TLR9蛋白表达水平和细胞凋亡水平均显著低于空质粒对照组和空白细胞对照组(P0.05)。结果表明,外源性cytD和巨噬细胞内源性高表达的Cofilin-1蛋白均可下调巨噬细胞TLR2、TLR4、TLR9的表达,其中,细胞高表达的Cofilin-1蛋白还显著降低了细胞凋亡率。该文通过揭示肌动蛋白解聚对巨噬细胞TLRs的表达及细胞凋亡的抑制,为进一步研究炎症与肿瘤的关系及分子机制奠定了基础。     

研究: 肺炎衣原体抑制LXRα-ABCA1途径促进巨噬细胞脂质蓄积

为探讨肝X受体α (LXRα)-三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1 (ABCA1)途径在肺炎衣原体 (C. pneumoniae)促巨噬细胞脂质蓄积中的作用和机制,以THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞为模型,采用高效液相色谱分析细胞内总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和胆固醇酯含量,液体闪烁计数器检测细胞内胆固醇流出,RT-PCR检测ABCA1和LXRα mRNA的表达,蛋白质印迹检测ABCA1和LXRα的蛋白质表达;使用LXRα的特异性激动剂T0901317对细胞进行预处理,再观察上述指标的变化．结果显示,C. pneumoniae可促进THP-1巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞内总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和胆固醇酯含量增加,抑制胆固醇外流,降低细胞ABCA1和LXRα的表达;使用ABCA1激动剂8-溴-环磷酸腺苷预处理细胞或LXR激动剂T0901317预处理细胞后,可明显减弱C. pneumoniae对THP-1细胞ABCA1的表达抑制,促进细胞胆固醇流出,降低细胞内胆固醇的含量．结果提示,C. pneumoniae促进巨噬细胞脂质蓄积及胆固醇流出障碍,其机制可能与LXRα-ABCA1途径有关．     

双氢青蒿素调控巨噬细胞增殖和迁移的作用研究

目的:探讨双氢青蒿素在体外对小鼠单核巨噬细胞RAW264.7的增殖、克隆形成、周期、凋亡和迁移的影响。方法:采用梯度浓度(2.5μg/m L, 5μg/m L, 10μg/m L, 20μg/m L)的双氢青蒿素处理RAW264.7细胞,利用CCK8实验检测双氢青蒿素对巨噬细胞增殖能力的影响,利用克隆形成实验检测双氢青蒿素对RAW264.7细胞克隆形成能力的影响,利用流式细胞术检测双氢青蒿素对RAW264.7细胞周期和凋亡的影响,利用划痕修复实验检测RAW264.7细胞迁移能力。结果:CCK8实验结果显示,双氢青蒿素可以显著抑制RAW264.7巨噬细胞的增殖能力,且抑制效果与双氢青蒿素的浓度呈正相关性。克隆形成实验结果显示,双氢青蒿素可以抑制细胞的克隆形成能力。双氢青蒿素处理使RAW264.7细胞G0/G1期比例显著升高,S期与G2/M期细胞比例显著降低。双氢青蒿素对巨噬细胞凋亡具有诱导作用,且凋亡诱导作用呈现浓度依赖的特性。划痕修复实验结果显示,双氢青蒿素可以显著抑制RAW264.7巨噬细胞的迁移能力。结论:双氢青蒿素可以导致巨噬细胞的细胞周期G0/G1阻滞,并且诱导细胞凋亡,对巨噬细胞增殖和迁移具有抑制作用。     

15d-PGJ2 inhibits oxidized LDL-induced macrophage proliferation by inhibition of GM-CSF production via inactivation of NF-kappaB

Macrophage-derived foam cells play an important role in atherosclerotic lesions. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) induces macrophage proliferation via production of GM-CSF in vitro. This study investigated the effects of 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)), a natural ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, on macrophage proliferation. Mouse peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cells were used for proliferation study and reporter gene assay, respectively. Twenty microgram per milliliter of Ox-LDL induced [3H]thymidine incorporation in mouse peritoneal macrophages, and 15d-PGJ(2) inhibited Ox-LDL-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner. Ox-LDL increased GM-CSF release and GM-CSF mRNA expression, and activated GM-CSF gene promoter, all of which were prevented by 15d-PGJ(2) or 2-cyclopenten-1-one, a cyclopentenone ring of 15d-PGJ(2). The suppression of GM-CSF promoter activity by 15d-PGJ(2) and 2-cyclopenten-1-one was mediated through reduction of NF-kappaB binding to GM-CSF promoter. These results suggest that 15d-PGJ(2) inhibits Ox-LDL-induced macrophage proliferation through suppression of GM-CSF production via NF-kappaB inactivation.     

Oxidized low density lipoprotein activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) and PPARgamma through MAPK-dependent COX-2 expression in macrophages

It has been reported that oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) can activate both peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) and PPARgamma. However, the detailed mechanisms of Ox-LDL-induced PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Ox-LDL on PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation in macrophages. Ox-LDL, but not LDL, induced PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation in a dose-dependent manner. Ox-LDL transiently induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expression, and COX-2 specific inhibition by NS-398 or meloxicam or small interference RNA of COX-2 suppressed Ox-LDL-induced PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation. Ox-LDL induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, and ERK1/2 specific inhibition abrogated Ox-LDL-induced COX-2 expression and PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation, whereas p38 MAPK-specific inhibition had no effect. Ox-LDL decreased the amounts of intracellular long chain fatty acids, such as arachidonic, linoleic, oleic, and docosahexaenoic acids. On the other hand, Ox-LDL increased intracellular 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) level through ERK1/2-dependent overexpression of COX-2. Moreover, 15d-PGJ(2) induced both PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation. Furthermore, COX-2 and 15d-PGJ(2) expression and PPAR activity were increased in atherosclerotic lesions of apoE-deficient mice. Finally, we investigated the involvement of PPARalpha and PPARgamma on Ox-LDL-induced mRNA expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Interestingly, specific inhibition of PPARalpha and PPARgamma suppressed Ox-LDL-induced ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 mRNA expression and enhanced Ox-LDL-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression. In conclusion, Ox-LDL-induced increase in 15d-PGJ(2) level through ERK1/2-dependent COX-2 expression is one of the mechanisms of PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation in macrophages. These effects of Ox-LDL may control excess atherosclerotic progression.     

Oxidized low density lipoprotein induces macrophage endoplasmic reticulum stress via CD36.

The purpose of the present study is to explore the effect of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the underlying mechanisms in ox-LDL-induced macrophage foam-forming process. RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured in DMEM medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, and then treated with ox-LDL (25, 50 and 100 mg/L), anti-CD36 monoclonal antibody+ox-LDL and tunicamycin (TM), respectively. After incubation for 24 h, the cells were collected. The cellular lipid accumulation was showed by oil red O staining and the content of cellular total cholesterol was quantified by enzymatic colorimetry. The expression of glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94), a molecular marker of ERS, was determined by immunocytochemistry assay. The levels of GRP94 protein, phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (p-IRE1) and X box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in RAW264.7 cells were detected by Western blotting. The results indicated that after incubation with ox-LDL (25, 50 and 100 mg/L) for 24 h, a large amount of lipid droplets were found in the cytoplasm, and the contents of cellular total cholesterol were increased by 2.1, 2.8 and 3.1 folds compared with the control, respectively. Anti-CD36 antibody decreased markedly the cellular lipid accumulation induced by ox-LDL at 100 mg/L. Both ox-LDL and TM, a specific ERS inducer, could up-regulate the protein expression of GRP94 in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, p-IRE1 and XBP1, two key components of the unfolded protein response, were also significantly induced by the treatment with ox-LDL. The up-regulations of the three proteins induced by ox-LDL were inhibited significantly when the macrophages were pre-incubated with anti-CD36 antibody. These results suggest that ox-LDL may induce ERS in a dose-dependent way and subsequently activate the unfolded protein response signaling pathway in RAW264.7 macrophages, which is potentially mediated by scavenger receptor CD36.     

Inhibitory effect of caveolin-1 on endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in macrophages via p38 MAPK pathway

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurs in macrophage-rich areas of advanced atherosclerotic lesions and contributes to macrophage apoptosis and subsequent plaque necrosis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) on ER stress-induced apoptosis in cultured macrophages and the underlying mechanisms. RAW264.7 cells were incubated with thapsigargin (TG) to establish ER stress model. And Cav-1 expression was detected by Western blot. After being pretreated with filipin(III), a caveolae inhibitor, RAW264.7 cells were assayed with flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy to detect cell apoptosis. Moreover, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression were detected with Western blot. The results showed that Cav-1 expression was markedly increased at early stage of TG treatment (P < 0.05) and then decreased with prolonged or high dose TG treatments. The increasing of Cav-1 expression induced by TG in RAW264.7 cells was abolished under inhibition of caveolae by filipin(III) (P < 0.05). The effect of TG on apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells was further augmented after pretreatment with filipin(III) (P < 0.05). Western blotting showed that MAPK phosphorylation induced by TG was inhibited by filipin(III) in RAW264.7 cells (P < 0.05), whereas CHOP remained unchanged (P > 0.05). These results suggest that Cav-1 may play a critical role in suppressing ER stress-induced macrophages apoptosis in vitro, and one of the mechanisms may be correlated with the activation of p38 MAPK prosurvival pathway.     

Expression of cholesterol-7alpha-hydroxylase in murine macrophages prevents cholesterol loading by acetyl-LDL

Unlike macrophages, the hepatic parenchymal cells express cholesterol-7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) which regulates the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, the major quantitative pathway maintaining cholesterol homeostasis. We examined if CYP7A1 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages could prevent the accumulation of cholesterol when they were incubated with acetyl-LDL. A single cell clone (designated as 7 alphaRAW cells) that stably expresses rat CYP7A1 displayed similar rates of growth as non-transfected RAW cells. The CYP7A1 enzymatic activity expressed by microsomes obtained from 7 alphaRAW cells was similar to that expressed by microsomes obtained from mouse liver. Incubating non-transfected RAW with increasing amounts of acetyl-LDL caused a parallel accumulation of cholesterol, whereas 7 alphaRAW cells displayed a complete resistance to cholesterol accumulation. 7 alphaRAW cells displayed increased expression of both ABCA1 mRNA (3.1-fold, P < 0.001) and ABCG1 mRNA (2.2-fold, P < 0.01), whereas the expression of scavenger receptor class A mRNA was unchanged. 7 alphaRAW cells also displayed small but significant increases in the rate of efflux of [(3)H]cholesterol to both delipidated apolipoprotein A1 and to HDL.Thus, CYP7A1 expression in RAW cultured macrophages prevented the accumulation of cholesterol from acetyl-LDL via both increased metabolism and efflux of cholesterol.     

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.     

Macrophage iron retention aggravates atherosclerosis: Evidence for the role of autocrine formation of hepcidin in plaque macrophages

Iron accumulation has been frequently found in atherosclerotic lesions, especially in macrophages/foam cells, but the exact mechanisms by which hepcidin induces iron retention in plaque macrophages and its roles in atherogenesis remain unknown. Double immunofluorescence staining showed colocalization of hepcidin-positive macrophages with ox-LDL, TLR4, p-p65 and ferritin light chain (ferritin-L) both in human and murine atherosclerotic lesions. RAW264.7 macrophages incubated with ox-LDL showed elevated expression of TLR4, p-p65, hepcidin, ferritin-L/H, CYP27A1, CD36, PPARγ, liver X receptor α (LXRα), and ATP binding cassette transporter A1/G1 (ABCA1/G1), as well as increased intracellular labile iron pool level and lipid accumulation. Ox-LDL-induced iron retention and lipid accumulation were aggravated by lipopolysaccharide but blocked by TAK-242, an antagonist of TLR4. Moreover, macrophage TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation and foaming triggered by ox-LDL was enhanced by ferric ammonium citrate or exogenous hepcidin but attenuated by hepcidin silencing or the use of iron chelator. Meanwhile, the addition of hepcidin stimulated CD36-mediated Dil-labeled-ox-LDL uptake and inhibited the LXRα-ABCA1/G1 pathway-dependent cholesterol efflux in macrophages, which was significantly reversed by 27-hydroxycholesterol but further exacerbated by cyclosporin A, a selective inhibitor of CYP27A1. Our study provided the evidence that iron trapped in atherosclerosis plaque macrophages contributes to cholesterol disequilibrium-initiated foam cell formation, which is provoked by the unique but largely unknown autocrine formation of hepcidin in plaque macrophages via activating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway when exposed to ox-LDL. Such findings, considering the intricate vicious cycle between macrophage hepcidin autocrine-triggered iron retention and cholesterol disequilibrium, may shed new light on the “iron hypothesis” of atherosclerosis.     

普伐他汀对泡沫细胞内胆固醇酯的影响及与小凹蛋白-1的关系

本文旨在观察普伐他汀对鼠源巨噬细胞性泡沫细胞内胆固醇酯含量的影响,探讨此作用与小凹蛋白一l的关系。采用体外培养的鼠源性巨噬细胞株作为研究对象,加入氧化低密度脂蛋白（oxidized low density lipoprotein,OX-LDL）使其形成泡沫细胞,运用高效液相色谱测定细胞内胆固醇酯的改变,同时运用Western blot检测细胞中小凹蛋白-1的表达,并观察普伐他汀对细胞内胆固醇酯和小凹蛋白-1影响的量效和时效关系。结果显示：普伐他汀可明显降低泡沫细胞内的胆固醇酯与总胆固醇的比值,且在一定范围内呈剂量依赖性和时间依赖性。在泡沫细胞中加入普伐他汀后能够促进小凹蛋白-1的表达,呈剂量依赖性和时间依赖性。上述结果提示普伐他汀通过降低细胞内胆固醇酯的含量,减轻细胞泡沫化程度。普伐他汀的这一作用可能与促进小凹蛋白-1表达上调有关。