Immunoreactive macrophage colony-stimulating factor is increased in atherosclerotic lesions of watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits after recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor therapy

Infiltration of monocytes into arteries is an early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This recruitment is interpreted as enhancing lesion development, but it could also be a host response limiting lipid accumulation. The ability of macrophages to limit cholesterol uptake, however, can be reduced by the impaired mobility and metabolic activity associated with foam cell development. As lesions enlarge, foam cells die and become the nidus for the necrotic core. Treatments to improve viability might improve foam cell function and promote regression. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is vital to monocyte/macrophage differentiation, proliferation, and activation. We found that foam cells of Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits had faint staining for M-CSF. Treatment of rabbits with recombinant human M-CSF (rhM-CSF) increased M-CSF staining, which correlated with reduced cholesterol content of these foam cells. Mol Reprod Dev 46:92–95, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

ApoAⅠ促进THP-1源性泡沫细胞ApoE分泌的研究

目的通过建立动脉粥样硬化损伤部位细胞模型,观察ApoAI对THP—l源性泡沫细胞ApoE分泌的影响,探讨ApoAI与ApoE之间是否存在相互关系以及这种关系对动脉粥样硬化的影响。方法采用聚乙二醇-6000（PEG-6000）沉淀法制备人血浆HDL,再利用凝胶过滤柱层析法分离ApoA I;佛波酯（PMA）诱导THP-1单核细胞分化为巨噬细胞,氧化型低密度脂蛋白（oxidized low density lipoprotein,OXLDL）使分化后THP-1细胞荷脂,建立动脉粥样硬化细胞模型;ELISA检测不同浓度ApoAI（0,5,10,15,25ug／m1）及不同孵育时间（0．3,6,12,24h）,THP—1源性泡沫细胞ApoE的分泌;RT—PCR检测细胞ApoEmRNA的表达情况。结果ApoAI增加THP-1源性泡沫细胞ApoE的分泌量;且ApoE蛋白质的分泌随着ApoAI孵育时间增加而增加,在24hApoE的分泌量达最大;在剂量试验中,ApoE的分泌量随着ApoAI剂量的增加有增加趋势,ApoAI浓度为25μmol／L时,ApoE分泌量最大;而却oE基因的表达不受ApoAI的影响。结论-定浓度的ApoAI促进THP-1源性泡沫细胞ApoE的分泌,且具有时间及剂量依赖性。而在基因水平上,ApoAI对ApoEmRNA表达没有影响。     

Lipid homeostasis and the formation of macrophage-derived foam cells in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory disorder characterized by the deposition of excess lipids in the arterial intima. The formation of macrophage-derived foam cells in a plaque is a hallmark of the development of atherosclerosis. Lipid homeostasis, especially cholesterol homeostasis, plays a crucial role during the formation of foam cells. Recently, lipid droplet-associated proteins, including PAT and CIDE family proteins, have been shown to control the development of atherosclerosis by regulating the formation, growth, stabilization and functions of lipid droplets in macrophage-derived foam cells. This review focuses on the potential mechanisms of formation of macrophage-derived foam cells in atherosclerosis with particular emphasis on the role of lipid homeostasis and lipid droplet-associated proteins. Understanding the process of foam cell formation will aid in the future discovery of novel therapeutic interventions for atherosclerosis.     

黄芪多糖对内毒素诱导人单核/巨噬细胞炎症因子表达的影响

目的：研究黄芪多糖对内毒素诱导的人单核/巨噬细胞中多种炎症因子表达的影响。方法：采用体外培养的人单核/巨噬细胞,以100ng/ml内毒素作为刺激因子,应用人炎症因子抗体芯片检测1mg/ml黄芪多糖处理后人单核/巨噬细胞中IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8和金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-2（TIMP-2）等多种炎症因子表达的变化情况。结果：黄芪多糖可显著抑制内毒素诱导单核细胞分泌IL-1β和IL-6的活性,同时,促进TIMP-2蛋白表达。结论：黄芪多糖对内毒素诱导的人单核/巨噬细胞多种炎症因子表达有调节作用。     

TL1A inhibits atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice by regulating the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells

TNF ligand-related molecule 1A (TL1A) is a vascular endothelial growth inhibitor to reduce neovascularization. Lack of apoE a expression results in hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. In this study, we determined the precise effects of TL1A on the development of atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms in apoE-deficient mice. After 12 weeks of pro-atherogenic high-fat diet feeding and TL1A treatment, mouse aorta, serum, and liver samples were collected and used to assess atherosclerotic lesions, fatty liver, and expression of related molecules. We found that TL1A treatment significantly reduced lesions and enhanced plaque stability. Mechanistically, TL1A inhibited formation of foam cells derived from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) but not macrophages by activating expression of ABC transporter A1 (ABCA1), ABCG1, and cholesterol efflux in a liver X receptor–dependent manner. TL1A reduced the transformation of VSMCs from contractile phenotype into synthetic phenotypes by activating expression of contractile marker α smooth muscle actin and inhibiting expression of synthetic marker osteopontin, or osteoblast-like phenotype by reducing calcification. In addition, TL1A ameliorated high-fat diet–induced lipid metabolic disorders in the liver. Taken together, our work shows that TL1A can inhibit the development of atherosclerosis by regulating VSMC/foam cell formation and switch of VSMC phenotypes and suggests further investigation of its potential for atherosclerosis treatment.     

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。     

Cloning and expression of an anti-LDL(-) single-chain variable fragment,and its inhibitory effect on experimental atherosclerosis

The in vivo modified forms of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are important for the formation of foam cells and as mediators of the immuno-inflammatory process involved in the progression of atherosclerosis. Electronegative LDL, LDL(-), is a LDL subfraction with pro-inflammatory properties that is present in human blood. To investigate possible atheroprotective effects, an anti-LDL(-) single-chain variable fragment (scFv) was expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and its activity was evaluated in vitro against macrophages and in experimental atherosclerosis in Ldlr^-/- mice. The recombinant 2C7 scFv was produced in a yield of 9.5 mg of protein/L. The specificity and affinity of purified 2C7 scFv against LDL(-) was confirmed by ELISA. To assess the activity of 2C7 scFv on foam cell formation, RAW 264.7 macrophages were exposed to LDL(-) in the presence or absence of 2C7 scFv. The 2C7 scFv inhibited the uptake of LDL(-) by macrophages in a dose-dependent manner, and internalization of LDL(-) by these cells was found to be mediated by the CD36 and CD14 receptor. In addition, compared with untreated cells, lipid accumulation in macrophages was decreased, and the expression of Cd36, Tlr-4 and Cox-2 was downregulated in macrophages treated with 2C7 scFv. Importantly, compared with untreated mice, the treatment of Ldlr^-/- mice with 2C7 scFv decreased the atherosclerotic lesion area at the aortic sinus. In conclusion, our data show that 2C7 scFv inhibits foam cell formation and atherosclerotic plaque development by modulating the expression of genes relevant to atherogenesis. These results encourage further use of this antibody fragment in the development of new therapeutic strategies that neutralize the pro-atherogenic effects of LDL(-).     

Effect of ascorbic acid on prevention of hypercholesterolemia induced atherosclerosis

The notion that oxidation of lipids and propagation of free radicals may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is supported by a large body of evidence. To circumvent the damage caused by oxygen free radicals, antioxidants are needed which provide the much needed neutralization of free radical by allowing the pairing of electrons. In this study we have investigated the effect of ascorbic acid, a water soluble antioxidant on the development of hypercholesterolemia induced atherosclerosis in rabbits. Rabbits were made hypercholesterolemic and atherosclerotic by feeding 100 mg cholesterol/day. Different doses of ascorbic acid were administered to these rabbits. Low dose of ascorbic acid (0.5 mg/100 g body weight/day) did not have any significant effect on the percent of total area covered by atherosclerotic plaque. However, ascorbic acid when fed at a higher dose (15 mg/100 g body weight/day) was highly effective in reducing the atherogenecity. With this dose the percent of total surface area covered by atherosclerotic plaque was significantly less (p < 0.001). This suggests that use of ascorbic acid may have great promise in the prevention of hypercholesterolemia induced 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。     

Effect of copper sulfate on experimental atherosclerosis

Serum copper concentration increases significantly (p<0.01) in rats with experimental atherosclerosis compared to a control group. The serum zinc, the zinc, and copper concentration in abdominal aorta and in liver decreases significantly (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Administration of copper sulfate for 100 d in these animals induces a significant increase of serum copper (p<0.01), decrease of serum cholesterol (p<0.05) and increase of liver copper concentration as compared with the group fed only a high cholesterol diet. In the aorta of these animals the copper concentration increases and edema and lipid infiltration are considerably less than in the group of animals fed only a high lipid diet.     

LDL、oxLDL对THP-1巨噬细胞PCSK9、LDLR表达的影响研究

为研究低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、氧化修饰的低密度脂蛋白(oxLDL)对THP-1源性巨噬细胞中PCSK9、 LDLR表达的影响及两者之间的关系.分别用0mg/L、10mg/L、20mg/L、30mg/L的LDL和0mg/L、10mg/L、20mg/L、30mg/L的oxLDL处理THP-1巨噬细胞,油红O染色检测细胞荷脂情况,免疫荧光检测THP-1巨噬细胞上PCSK9蛋白表达及分布情况,RT-PCR、 Western blot检测THP-1巨噬细胞上PCSK9、 LDLR mRNA、蛋白质的表达.结果发现,不同浓度LDL处理THP-1巨噬细胞后,随着LDL浓度的增大,细胞内脂滴数目略有增多.免疫荧光染色发现,PCSK9在THP-1巨噬细胞上的表达随LDL浓度的增加而增多,胞浆内定位于某一特定细胞器中;RT-PCR、 Western blot检测发现,LDL可以呈浓度依赖性下调THP-1巨噬细胞中LDLR的表达和上调PCSK9的表达.不同浓度oxLDL处理THP-1巨噬细胞后,随oxLDL浓度的增大,脂滴颗粒明显增加;oxLDL处理对THP-1巨噬细胞上PCSK9、 LDLR mRNA、蛋白质的表达影响均不明显.研究结果表明:THP-1巨噬细胞上,同时有PCSK9和LDLR的表达,且PCSK9定位于胞浆中某一特定细胞器;oxLDL对THP-1巨噬细胞LDLR和PCSK9表达没有影响;LDL能够降低THP-1巨噬细胞表面LDLR的表达,同时上调PCSK9表达,初步说明在THP-1巨噬细胞中,两者有一定的相关性.     

Relationship of IgG and IgM autoantibodies and immune complexes to oxidized LDL with markers of oxidation and inflammation and cardiovascular events: results from the EPIC-Norfolk Study

Levels of IgG and IgM autoantibodies (AA) to malondialdehyde (MDA)-LDL and apoB-immune complexes (ICs) were measured in 748 cases and 1,723 controls in the EPIC-Norfolk cohort and their association to coronary artery disease (CAD) events determined. We evaluated whether AA and IC modify CAD risk associated with secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) type IIA mass and activity, lipoprotein-associated PLA(2) activity, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], oxidized phospholipids on apoB-100 (OxPL/apoB), myeloperoxidase, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. IgG ICs were higher in cases versus controls (P = 0.02). Elevated levels of IgM AA and IC were inversely associated with Framingham Risk Score and number of metabolic syndrome criteria (p range 0.02-0.001). In regression analyses adjusted for age, smoking, diabetes, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure, the highest tertiles of IgG and IgM AA and IC were not associated with higher risk of CAD events compared with the lowest tertiles. However, elevated levels of IgM IC reduced the risk of Lp(a) (P = 0.006) and elevated IgG MDA-LDL potentiated the risk of sPLA(2) mass (P = 0.018). This epidemiological cohort of initially healthy subjects shows that IgG and IgM AA and IC are not independent predictors of CAD events but may modify CAD risk associated with elevated levels of oxidative biomarkers.     

Effect of ozone treatment on reactive oxygen species and adenosine production during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion

This study investigates whether ozone could confer protection from hepatic ischemia reperfusion by modifying the accumulation of adenosine and xanthine during ischemia. A significant increase in both adenosine and xanthine accumulation was observed as a consequence of ATP degradation during hepatic ischemia. Adenosine exerts a protective effect on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury since the elimination of endogenous adenosine accumulation with adenosine deaminase increased the hepatic injury associated with this process. On the other hand, the high xanthine levels observed after ischemia could exert deleterious effects during reperfusion due to reactive oxygen species generation from xanthine oxidase. The administration of allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, attenuated the increase in reactive oxygen species and transaminase levels observed after hepatic reperfusion. Ozone treatment in liver maintained adenosine levels similar to those found after ischemia but led to a marked reduction in xanthine accumulation. In order to evaluate the role of both adenosine and xanthine, we tried to modify the protection confered by ozone, by modifying the concentrations of adenosine and xanthine. The metabolization of endogenous adenosine after ischemia abolished the protective effect conferred by ozone. When xanthine was administered previous to ozone treatment, the protection conferred by adenosine disappeared, showing both postischemic reactive oxygen species and transaminase levels similar to those found after hepatic ischemia reperfusion. Ozone would confer protection against the hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury by the accumulation of adenosine that in turns benefits the liver and by blocking the xanthine/xanthine oxidase pathway for reactive oxygen species generation.     

阿斯匹林对T H P-1来源巨噬细胞M M P g的表达及其活性的影响

目的：探讨阿司匹林对基质金属蛋白酶9（Matrix Metalloproteinases,MMPs）表达及其活性的影响。方法：应用MTT法观察阿司匹林对THP-1来源巨噬细胞增殖的影响;逆转录聚合酶链反应检测阿司匹林对体外培养的THP-1细胞基质金属蛋白酶9mRNA表达的影响,应用明胶酶谱法观察阿司匹林对体外培养的THP-1来源巨噬细胞基质金属蛋白酶9活性的影响。结果：与对照组相比,不同浓度的阿司匹林（150、3000、600、1200μmol／l）对THP-1采源巨噬细胞增殖无影响;不同浓度的阿司匹林可以抑制PMA诱导的THP-1细胞基质金属蛋白酶9mRNA的水平及其活性水平,且呈浓度依赖性。结论：阿司匹林可以抑制PMA诱导的THP-1巨噬细胞基质金属蛋白酶9的表达,并可能通过这一机制影响动脉粥样硬化斑块的稳定性．     

Effect of ozone on photosystem II in Spinacia oleracea chloroplasts

Spinach plants were treated with 0.35 ppm ozone and the photochemical activity of photosystem II determined after separation from the isolated chloroplasts using digitonin. Ozone impaired the activity of the system and also reduced the amount of β-carotene in the chloroplasts.     

The effect of myeloperoxidase-oxidized LDL on THP-1 macrophage polarization and repolarization

Macrophages (Mφs) play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis by engulfing modified LDL particles and forming foam cells, the hallmark of atherosclerosis. Many studies suggest that myeloperoxidase-oxidized LDL (Mox-LDL) is an important pathophysiological model for LDL modification in vivo. Classically (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) Mφs are both implicated in the process of atherogenesis. Mφs are highly plastic cells whereby they undergo repolarization from M1 to M2 and vice versa. Since little is known about the effects of Mox-LDL on Mφ polarization and repolarization, our study aimed at evaluating the in vitro effects of Mox-LDL at this level through making use of the well-established model of human THP-1-derived Mφs. Resting M0-Mφs were polarized toward M1- and M2-Mφs, then M0-, M1- and M2-Mφs were all treated with physiological concentrations of Mox-LDL to assess the effect of Mox-LDL treatment on Mφ polarization and repolarization. Treatment of M0-Mφs with a physiological concentration of Mox-LDL had no significant effects at the level of their polarization. However, treatment of M1-Mφs with Mox-LDL resulted in a significant reduction in their IL-10 cytokine secretion. Our results point to a potential role of Mox-LDL in increasing the pro-inflammatory state in Mφs through reducing the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10.     

The effect of ozone on the emission of carbonyls from leaves of adult Fagus sylvatica

Under the site conditions of a temperate forest, the exchange of short-chained oxygenated carbonyls (aldehydes, ketones) was assessed from leaves of adult European beech trees. The crowns of the trees were either exposed to an elevated O₃ regime as released by a free-air fumigation system (2 × O₃) or to the unchanged O₃ regime at the site (1 × O₃, ‘control’). Daily fluctuations of oxygenated carbonyls were quantified in relation to environmental and physiological factors. In particular, the effect of O₃ on carbonyl exchange was studied. Measurements of leaf gas exchange were performed with a dynamic cuvette system, and carbonyl fluxes were determined using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)-coated silica gel cartridges. Leaves mainly emitted acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and acetone. Acetaldehyde dominated the emissions, amounting up to 100 nmol m⁻² min⁻¹, followed by formaldehyde (approximately 80 nmol m⁻² min⁻¹) and acetone (approximately 60 nmol m⁻² min⁻¹). Carbonyl emissions were highest during midday and significantly lowered at night, irrespective of the O₃ exposure regime. Trees exposed to 2 × O₃ emitted acetaldehyde and acetone at enhanced rates. The findings are of particular significance for future climate change scenarios that assume increased O₃ levels.     

臭氧胁迫下硅对大豆抗氧化系统、生物量及产量的影响

在全球变化情景下,臭氧污染对作物产量将造成严重影响,臭氧将成为未来农业重要胁迫因素。研究缓解臭氧胁迫技术措施有利于保障粮食安全,其中硅元素添加可能是有效途径之一。利用开顶式同化箱(open top chambers,OTCs)装置,设置两个O3浓度(大气O3浓度<40μg/kg和高O3浓度约为80μg/kg)、两个硅浓度(0和100μg/g),研究不同O3浓度下硅对开花后大豆(Glycine max)株高、叶面积、叶绿素含量、抗氧化系统及产量的影响。结果表明:在无臭氧胁迫下,施硅可显著提高大豆根生物量、总生物量和单株籽粒重(14%、5%和20%)(P<0.05)。在O3胁迫下,施硅能使大豆维持较高的叶面积,显著提高大豆叶片叶绿素含量及SOD、POD、CAT活性,显著降低MDA含量,提高大豆根生物量、地上部生物量、总生物量、根冠比和单株籽粒重(29%,18%,19%,9%和17%)(P<0.05)。研究可为缓解O3对大豆危害提供合理可行的栽培管理措施与理论依据。     

LDL受体对清道夫受体活性的影响

应用经ＰＭＡ诱导衍生的ＴＨＰ－１巨噬细胞为模型,以单克隆抗体Ｃ７Ｂ封闭ｏｘＬＤＬ上的ＬＤＬ受体结合位点,结果发现,正常细胞在摄取ｏｘＬＤＬ时ＬＤＬ受体与清道夫受体起协同作用;但Ｃ７Ｂ作用于蓄积了脂质的ＴＨＰ－１巨噬细胞时,对细胞脂质蓄积程度无明显影响,清道夫受体活性不但不降低反而有所升高,说明由于脂质蓄积ＬＤＬ受体的作用减弱．