137: Chlamydia heat shock protein 60 inhibits cholesterol efflux from human macrophage-derived foam cells

Abstract

Objective: Chlamydia heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), produced by Chlamydia pneumoniae, has recently been associated with atherosclerosis. However, the molecular functions of Chlamydia HSP60 in the vascular system and lipid metabolism pathways are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Chlamydia HSP60 on cholesterol efflux from macrophage-derived foam cells. Methods: Human macrophages THP-1 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were pre-incubated with acetylated low-density lipoprotein (acLDL) and [3H]-cholesterol to form foam cells.