α-Defensins Induce a Post-translational Modification of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) That Promotes Atherosclerosis at Normal Levels of Plasma Cholesterol |
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Authors: | Rami Abu-Fanne Emad Maraga Ihab Abd-Elrahman Aviel Hankin Galia Blum Suhair Abdeen Nuha Hijazi Douglas B Cines Abd Al-Roof Higazi |
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Institution: | From the ‡Department of Clinical Biochemistry and ;the §School of Pharmacy, Hadassah-Hebrew University, Jerusalem IL-91120, Israel and ;the ¶Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine-University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 |
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Abstract: | Approximately one-half of the patients who develop clinical atherosclerosis have normal or only modest elevations in plasma lipids, indicating that additional mechanisms contribute to pathogenesis. In view of increasing evidence that inflammation contributes to atherogenesis, we studied the effect of human neutrophil α-defensins on low density lipoprotein (LDL) trafficking, metabolism, vascular deposition, and atherogenesis using transgenic mice expressing human α-defensins in their polymorphonuclear leukocytes (Def+/+). Accelerated Def+/+ mice developed α-defensin·LDL complexes that accelerate the clearance of LDL from the circulation accompanied by enhanced vascular deposition and retention of LDL, induction of endothelial cathepsins, increased endothelial permeability to LDL, and the development of lipid streaks in the aortic roots when fed a regular diet and at normal plasma levels of LDL. Transplantation of bone marrow from Def+/+ to WT mice increased LDL clearance, increased vascular permeability, and increased vascular deposition of LDL, whereas transplantation of WT bone marrow to Def+/+ mice prevented these outcomes. The same outcome was obtained by treating Def+/+ mice with colchicine to inhibit the release of α-defensins. These studies identify a potential new link between inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis. |
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Keywords: | atherosclerosis defensin lipoprotein low density lipoprotein (LDL) neutrophil α -defensins atherosclerosis |
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