ABCA1 Protein Expression Research Articles

Dihydromyricetin Ameliorates Atherosclerosis in LDL Receptor Deficient Mice

Abstract Background and aims Dihydromyricetin, the most abundant flavonoid in Ampelopsis grossedentata , exerts numerous pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and lipid regulatory activities; however, its protective effect against atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dihydromyricetin on high fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis using LDL receptor deficient ( LDLr −/− ) mice. Methods Blood samples were collected for determination of serum lipid profiles, oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Histology, hepatic lipid content, quantification of atherosclerosis, assessment of oxidative stress and inflammation were performed on liver and aorta samples by molecular biology methods. The effects of dihydromyricetin on ox-LDL-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) dysfunction and foam cell formation were further studied. Results (1) Dihydromyricetin ameliorated hyperlipidemia, reduced serum ox-LDL, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in HFD-fed LDLr −/- mice. Moreover, (2) dihydromyricetin suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation and increased protein expressions of PPARα, LXRα and ABCA1. (3) It inhibited atherosclerotic lesion formation and favoured features of plaque stability. (4) Dihydromyricetin prevented hepatic and aortic inflammation as evidenced by the reduced IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression; (5) it prevented hepatic and aortic oxidative stress by normalizing activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and suppressing reactive oxygen species generation and NOX2 protein expression in both liver and aorta; (6) it inhibited oxLDL-induced injury, monocytes adhesion and oxidative stress in HUVECs and (7) inhibited macrophage foam cell formation and enhanced cholesterol efflux. Conclusions These findings suggest that dihydromyricetin could reduce atherosclerosis via its pleiotropic effects, including improvement of endothelial dysfunction, inhibition of macrophage foam cell formation, amelioration of lipid profiles, anti-inflammatory action and anti-oxidative effect.

Effects of Na+ -H+ exchanger 1 knockdown on protein expression levels of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 and cholesterol efflux in hypoxic RAW264.7 cells

Objective To explore the effects of Na+ -H+ exchanger 1(NHE1) knockdown on ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) protein expression levels and cholesterol efflux in the hypoxic RAW264.7 cells. Methods The RAW264.7 cells were infected with lentiviral vectors expressing shRNA specific for NHE1(siNHE1) or scramble RNA (siNC). The expression of NHE1 at mRNA or protein level was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting respectively in the infected cells after 24 h in a hypoxia condition.In the meantime, the methods of SNARF-1, Fluo-4 NW andSuc-LLVY-aminoluciferin were employed to determine NHE1 activity, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+ ]i) and calpain activity, respectively.Furthermore, ABCA1 protein levels were detected by Western blotting in the 24 h hypoxic cells.In parallel, the intracellular cholesterol content and cholesterol efflux were analyzed by the methods of combined enzymatic HLPC and 3H-cholesterol. Results The hypoxia condition versus the normoxia condition up-regulated NHE1 mRNA and protein expression level and activity by 2.48 folds, 1.28 folds and 61.96% (all P<0.05), and increased[Ca2+ ]i and calpain activity by 4.51 folds and 2.41 folds(all P<0.05). Whereas the NHE1 mRNA and protein expression and activity at the presence of hypoxia were inhibited by siNHE1 with the inhibition ratio of 84.95%, 60.75% and 66.44%, respectively (all P<0.05) and[Ca2+ ]i and calpain activity were reduced by 59.23% and 54.66% (P<0.05). Furthermore, the ABCA1 protein level was 61.67% lower in the hypoxic cells than in the normoxic cells (P<0.05), and siNHE1 was increased by 56.52%after treatment of Hypoxia.Hypoxia elevated intracellular total cholesterol and cholesterol ester by 74.57% and 101.81% (all P<0.05). Treatment with siNHE1 in the hypoxia condition can reduce total cholesterol and cholesterol ester by 34.24%及49.66%(all P<0.05). Hypoxia reduced the cholesterol efflux by 34.79%(P<0.05), which were partially reversed by siNHE1. Conclusions NHE1 might play an important role in hypoxia-induced ABCA1 protein attenuation and reverse cholesterol transport dysfunction through[Ca2+ ]i/calpain pathway. Key words: ATP binding cassette transporter A1; Na+ -H+ exchanger 1; Anoxia; Cholesterol

Amelioration of amyloid β-induced retinal inflammatory responses by a LXR agonist TO901317 is associated with inhibition of the NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome

Amyloid β (Aβ) is a pathogenic peptide associated with many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson's disease. The retinal inflammation in response to Aβ is implicated in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases including age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer's-related optic neuropathy and glaucoma. In the present study, we found that a single intravitreal injection of oligomeric Aβ1-40 in mouse activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and the NF-κB signaling, induced the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, Aβ1-40 caused retinal function impairment while no noticeable morphological changes were observed under light microscope. Furthermore, immunohistochemical results showed that Aβ1-40 enhanced the number of Iba1-positive cells in the inner retina. The mRNA expressions of LXRα and LXRβ decreased in the neuroretina of the Aβ1-40-injected mice. No significant difference was found on the protein expressions of LXRs and ABCA1 in both neuroretina and RPE/choroid complex between the Aβ1-40-injected group and the control group. A synthetic LXR ligand, TO901317 (TO90), enhanced the expressions of LXRα and ABCA1 at both mRNA and protein levels in the Aβ1-40-injected mice, while the LXRβ expression was unchanged. TO90 preserved ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes and reduced the number of Iba1-positive cells in the Aβ1-40-treated retina. Furthermore, TO90 down-regulated the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as the expressions of p-IκBα, NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β in the Aβ1-40-injected animals. We suggest that activation of LXRα and its target gene ABCA1 exerts potent anti-inflammatory effect on the Aβ-treated retina.

Advanced glycation end products affect cholesterol homeostasis by impairing ABCA1 expression on macrophages.

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), which is intimately linked to high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), plays a key role in cholesterol homeostasis and the prevention of atherosclerosis. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of aging and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on RCT as well as on other factors that may affect the antiatherogenic property of HDLs. The transfer of macrophage-derived cholesterol to the plasma and liver and then to the feces for elimination was significantly lower in aged mice than in young mice. Chronic injection of d -galactose (D-gal) or AGEs also significantly reduced RCT (65.3% reduction in [3H]cholesterol levels in the plasma of D-gal-treated mice after 48 h compared with control mice, P < 0.01). The injection of both D-gal and aminoguanidine hydrochloride increased [3H]cholesterol levels in the plasma, although the levels were lower than those of control mice. The in vitro incubation of HDLs with dicarbonyl compounds increased the carbonyl and conjugated diene content of HDLs and significantly reduced PON1 paraoxonase activity (87.4% lower than control HDLs, P < 0.0001). Treating J774A.1 macrophages with glycated fetal bovine serum increased carbonyl formation (39.5% increase, P < 0.003) and reduced ABCA1 protein expression and the capacity of macrophages to liberate cholesterol (69.1% decrease, P < 0.0001). Our results showed, for the first time, that RCT is altered with aging and that AGEs contribute significantly to this alteration.

Hsp27 promotes ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux through the PI3K/PKCζ/Sp1 pathway in THP-1 macrophages

Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is a putative biomarker and therapeutic target in atherosclerosis. This study was to explore the potential mechanisms underlying Hsp27 effects on ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression and cellular cholesterol efflux. THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells were infected with adenovirus to express wild-type Hsp27, hyper-phosphorylated Hsp27 mimic (3D Hsp27), antisense Hsp27 or hypo-phosphorylated Hsp27 mimic (3A Hsp27). Wild-type and 3D Hsp27 were found to up-regulate ABCA1 mRNA and protein expression and increase cholesterol efflux from cells. Expression of antisense or 3A Hsp27 suppressed the expression of ABCA1 and cholesterol efflux. Furthermore, over-expression of wild-type and 3D Hsp27 significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated specificity protein 1 (Sp1), protein kinase C ζ (PKCζ) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). In addition, the up-regulation of ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux induced by 3D Hsp27 was suppressed by inhibition of Sp1, PKCζ and PI3K with specific kinase inhibitors. Taken together, our results revealed that Hsp27 may up-regulate the expression of ABCA1 and promotes cholesterol efflux through activation of the PI3K/PKCζ/Sp1 signal pathway in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Our findings may partly explain the mechanisms underlying the anti-atherogenic effect of Hsp27.

Dihydromyricetin ameliorates atherosclerosis in LDL receptor deficient mice

Background and aimsDihydromyricetin, the most abundant flavonoid in Ampelopsis grossedentata, exerts numerous pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and lipid regulatory activities; however, its protective effect against atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dihydromyricetin on high fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis using LDL receptor deficient (LDLr−/−) mice. MethodsBlood samples were collected for determination of serum lipid profiles, oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Histology, hepatic lipid content, quantification of atherosclerosis, assessment of oxidative stress and inflammation were performed on liver and aorta samples by molecular biology methods. The effects of dihydromyricetin on ox-LDL-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) dysfunction and foam cell formation were further studied. Results(1) Dihydromyricetin ameliorated hyperlipidemia, reduced serum ox-LDL, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in HFD-fed LDLr−/− mice. Moreover, (2) dihydromyricetin suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation and increased protein expressions of PPARα, LXRα and ABCA1. (3) It inhibited atherosclerotic lesion formation and favoured features of plaque stability. (4) Dihydromyricetin prevented hepatic and aortic inflammation as evidenced by the reduced IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression; (5) it prevented hepatic and aortic oxidative stress by normalizing activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and suppressing reactive oxygen species generation and NOX2 protein expression in both liver and aorta; (6) it inhibited oxLDL-induced injury, monocytes adhesion and oxidative stress in HUVECs and (7) inhibited macrophage foam cell formation and enhanced cholesterol efflux. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that dihydromyricetin could reduce atherosclerosis via its pleiotropic effects, including improvement of endothelial dysfunction, inhibition of macrophage foam cell formation, amelioration of lipid profiles, anti-inflammatory action and anti-oxidative effect.

Effect of adiponectin on macrophage reverse cholesterol transport in adiponectin-/- mice and its mechanism.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin (APN) on macrophage reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) in adiponectin-/- knockout mice (APN-/-mice) and its possible anti-atherosclerotic mechanism. A total of 30 male APN-/-mice were randomly divided into the control group and four intervention groups. The intervention groups were treated with intraperitoneal injections of APN, at doses of 50, 150, 200 and 250 µg/(kg/day), respectively, for 4 weeks. The control group received normal saline. After 4 weeks, serum lipid levels were measured, the degree of severity of atherosclerotic lesions was observed by light microscopy, the 3H-TC (APN-/-mice treated with intraperitoneal injections of 3H-TC-labeled macrophages) radioactivity in serum, liver, and feces, and the expression of ABCA1 mRNA and protein in liver were determined. Compared with the control group, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins levels in the intervention groups were significantly decreased, while high-density lipoprotein was increased. The severity of aortic atherosclerotic lesions in the intervention groups was milder than in the control group, which had obvious aortic atherosclerotic lesions, large lipid deposition on vessel walls, and the formation of atheromatous plaques. In the intervention groups, serum 3H-TC content was significantly decreased (P<0.05), but the 3H-TC content in liver and feces was significantly increased (P<0.05). The levels of ABCA1 mRNA in liver of the intervention groups were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, APN can promote RCT and intracellular cholesterol efflux by upregulating the expression of ABCA1, to delay the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.

The lipid moiety 7-ketocholesteryl-9-carboxynonanoate mediates binding interaction of oxLDL to LOX-1 and upregulates ABCA1 expression through PPARγ

AimLectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), a specific membrane receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis progression. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of 7-ketocholesteryl-9-carboxynonanoate (oxLig-1), a lipid component of oxLDL, in the binding of oxLDL to LOX-1 and to determine whether oxLig-1 binding to LOX-1 is involved in the upregulation of ABCA1 expression. Main methodsOxLig-1 binding to LOX-1 was analysed by AutoDock 4.2.6 and confirmed by fluorescence immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). LOX-1, LXRα and ABCA1 protein expression induced by oxLig-1 or methylated oxLig-1 was measured by western blotting. In addition, PPARγ activation was investigated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Furthermore, the signalling cascade involved in oxLig-1-induced ABCA1 expression was assessed using inhibitors for PPARγ and LXRα and specific siRNAs against LOX-1, PPARγ and LXRα. Key findingsDocking, fluorescence immunocytochemistry and ELISA analyses showed that oxLig-1 bound LOX-1 and that the ω-carboxyl group was critical for this binding. Moreover, oxLig-1, but not methylated oxLig-1, increased LOX-1, LXRα, and ABCA1 expression. Luciferase reporter assays indicated that oxLig-1 activated PPARγ in the presence of LOX-1. Additionally, the inhibitor and siRNA experiments showed that oxLig-1 triggered the PPARγ-LXRα signalling pathway, leading to upregulation of ABCA1, and that this process required the participation of LOX-1. SignificanceOur observations indicate that oxLig-1 is a critical epitope of oxLDL that mediates the binding of oxLDL to LOX-1 and initiates PPARγ signal transduction to upregulate the expression of ABCA1.

Human paraoxonase 1 overexpression in mice stimulates HDL cholesterol efflux and reverse cholesterol transport.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of human PON1 overexpression in mice on cholesterol efflux and reverse cholesterol transport. PON1 overexpression in PON1-Tg mice induced a significant 3-fold (p<0.0001) increase in plasma paraoxonase activity and a significant ~30% (p<0.0001) increase in the capacity of HDL to mediate cholesterol efflux from J774 macrophages compared to wild-type mice. It also caused a significant 4-fold increase (p<0.0001) in the capacity of macrophages to transfer cholesterol to apoA-1, a significant 2-fold (p<0.0003) increase in ABCA1 mRNA and protein expression, and a significant increase in the expression of PPARγ (p<0.0003 and p<0.04, respectively) and LXRα (p<0.0001 and p<0.01, respectively) mRNA and protein compared to macrophages from wild-type mice. Moreover, transfection of J774 macrophages with human PON1 also increased ABCA1, PPARγ and LXRα protein expression and stimulates macrophages cholesterol efflux to apo A1. In vivo measurements showed that the overexpression of PON1 significantly increases the fecal elimination of macrophage-derived cholesterol in PON1-Tg mice. Overall, our results suggested that the overexpression of PON1 in mice may contribute to the regulation of the cholesterol homeostasis by improving the capacity of HDL to mediate cholesterol efflux and by stimulating reverse cholesterol transport.

MEK1/2 Inhibition Promotes Macrophage Reparative Properties.

Macrophages have important functional roles in regulating the timely promotion and resolution of inflammation. Although many of the intracellular signaling pathways involved in the proinflammatory responses of macrophages are well characterized, the components that regulate macrophage reparative properties are less well understood. We identified the MEK1/2 pathway as a key regulator of macrophage reparative properties. Pharmacological inhibition of the MEK1/2 pathway by a MEK1/2 inhibitor (MEKi) significantly increased expression of IL-4/IL-13 (M2)-responsive genes in murine bone marrow-derived and alveolar macrophages. Deletion of the MEK1 gene using LysMCre+/+Mek1fl/fl macrophages as an alternate approach yielded similar results. MEKi enhanced STAT6 phosphorylation, and MEKi-induced changes in M2 polarization were dependent on STAT6. In addition, MEKi treatment significantly increased murine and human macrophage efferocytosis of apoptotic cells, independent of macrophage polarization and STAT6. These phenotypes were associated with increased gene and protein expression of Mertk, Tyro3, and Abca1, three proteins that promote macrophage efferocytosis. We also studied the effects of MEKi on in vivo macrophage efferocytosis and polarization. MEKi-treated mice had increased efferocytosis of apoptotic polymorphonuclear leukocytes instilled into the peritoneum. Furthermore, administration of MEKi after LPS-induced lung injury led to improved recovery of weight, fewer neutrophils in the alveolar compartment, and greater macrophage M2 polarization. Collectively, these results show that MEK1/2 inhibition is capable of promoting the reparative properties of murine and human macrophages. These studies suggest that the MEK1/2 pathway may be a therapeutic target to promote the resolution of inflammation via modulation of macrophage functions.

Exposure to High Glucose Concentration Decreases Cell Surface ABCA1 and HDL Biogenesis in Hepatocytes.

Aim: To study atherosclerosis risk in diabetes, we investigated ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) biogenesis in the liver and hepatocytes under hyperglycemic conditions.Methods and Results: In streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, plasma HDL decreased while ABCA1 protein increased without changing its mRNA in the liver, only in the animals that responded to the treatment to show hypoinsulinemia and fasting hyperglycemia but not in the poor responders not showing those. To study the mechanism for this finding, hepatocytes were isolated from the control and diabetic mice, and they showed no difference in expression of ABCA1 protein, its mRNA, and HDL biogenesis in 1 g/l d-glucose but showed decreased HDL biogenesis in 4.5 g/l d-glucose although ABCA1 protein increased without change in its mRNA. Similar findings were confirmed in HepG2 cells with d-glucose but not with l-glucose. Thus, these cell models reproduced the in vivo findings in hyperglycemia. Labeling of cell surface protein revealed that surface ABCA1 decreased in high concentration of d-glucose in HepG2 cells despite the increase of cellular ABCA1 while not with l-glucose. Immunostaining of ABCA1 in HepG2 cells demonstrated the decrease of surface ABCA1 but increase of intracellular ABCA1 with high d-glucose. Clearance of ABCA1 was retarded both in primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells exposed to high d-glucose but not to l-glucose, being consistent with the decrease of surface ABCA1.Conclusions: It is suggested that localization of ABCA1 to the cell surface is decreased in hepatocytes in hyperglycemic condition to cause decrease of HDL biogenesis.

Inhibitory effect of PCSK9 on Abca1 protein expression and cholesterol efflux in macrophages

Background and aimsProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) may have extra-hepatic effects on cholesterol homeostasis of vascular macrophages. In this study, we aimed to investigate PCSK9 role on the anti-atherogenic process of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (Abca1)-mediated cholesterol efflux. MethodsAbca1-mediated cholesterol efflux was evaluated by a radioisotopic technique in mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) from wild-type (WT) or LDL receptor knock-out (Ldlr−/−) mice exposed to human recombinant PCSK9, in the presence of liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor (LXR/RXR) ligands or acetylated LDL (AcLDL) to stimulate Abca1 expression. Protein and gene expression was evaluated by Western blot and quantitative real time PCR, respectively. ResultsPCSK9 inhibited Abca1-mediated cholesterol efflux induced by LXR/RXR agonists in WT MPM (−55%, p < 0.05) but not in Ldlr−/− MPM. This effect was fully abrogated by the co-incubation with an anti-PCSK9 antibody. The inhibition of Abca1-dependent efflux induced by PCSK9 was associated with a reduction of Abca1 protein expression only in WT cells. Abca1 gene expression was significantly downregulated by PCSK9 in WT macrophages (−64%, p < 0.001) and, to a lesser extent, in MPM lacking Ldlr (−35%, p < 0.001). The inhibitory effect on Abca1-mediated efflux was also confirmed in AcLDL-treated macrophages. PCSK9 had a marginal or no effect on the expression of the lipid transporters Sr-b1 and Abcg1. ConclusionsPCSK9 plays a direct role on Abca1-mediated cholesterol efflux through a downregulation of Abca1 gene and Abca1 protein expression. This extrahepatic effect may influence relevant steps in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, such as foam cell formation.

Danshensu Promotes Cholesterol Efflux in RAW264.7 Macrophages.

Contemporary research suggests that macrophage foam cell and cholesterol efflux defect play pivotal role in atherogenesis. We reported on the heretofore unknown therapeutic effect of Danshensu (DSS) in reducing intracellular cholesterol level and unraveled the mechanism of DSS promotes cholesterol efflux. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulation of Raw264.7 cells into foam cells, which were treated with DSS and co-treated with SimvastatinandRosiglitazone. PPARγ, ABCA1, ABCG1, SR-BI, CD36, and LXR-α mRNA were quantified by Real-Time PCR. Western blotting was used to determine protein expression of PPARγ, ABCA1 and CD36. Cellular cholesterol handling was studied by measurement of intracellular lipid droplets concentration and cholesterol efflux. DSS significantly reduced scavenger receptor CD36 and its orthologue SR-BI. In addition, DSS stimulated the upregulation of cellular cholesterol exporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 to reduce intracellular lipid accumulation. DSS can reduce lipid deposition in Raw264.7 foam cells by balancing CD36 and ABCA1 protein expression.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplement prevents development of intracranial atherosclerosis

Objectives: Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is one of the most common causes of stroke worldwide and, in particular, has been implicated as a leading cause of recurrent ischemic stroke. We adapted a rat model of atherosclerosis to study brain intracranial atherosclerosis, and further investigated the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) in attenuating development of ICAS. Materials and methods: Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control normal-cholesterol or high-cholesterol diet groups with or without O3FA for up to 6weeks. During the first 2weeks, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 3mg/mL) was added to the drinking water of the high-cholesterol groups. The rats received supplementation with O3FA (5mg/kg/day) by gavages. Blood lipids including low density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured at 3 and 6weeks. The lumen of middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the thickness of the vessel wall were assessed. Inflammatory molecular markers were assessed by Western blot. Results: A high-cholesterol diet exhibited a significant increase in the classic blood markers (LDL, CHO, and TG) for atherosclerosis, as well as a decrease in HDL. These markers were found to be progressively more severe with time. Lumen stenosis and intimal thickening were increased in MCA. O3FA showed attenuation of blood lipids with an absence of morphological changes. O3FA significantly reduced the inflammatory marker CD68 in MCA and prevented monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression in the brain. O3FA similarly decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), markers affiliated with monocyte activity in atherosclerosis. Furthermore, O3FA significantly inhibited the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), a marker for endothelial activation. Lastly, O3FA increased ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) protein expression via silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) activation, thus increasing cholesterol efflux from macrophages to HDL. Conclusions: Long-term O3FA dietary supplementation prevents the development of intracranial atherosclerosis. This O3FA effect appears to be mediated by its prevention of macrophage infiltration into the vessel wall, therefore reducing inflammation and intimal thickening. While similar effects in humans need to be determined, O3FA dietary supplement shows promising results in the prevention of ICAS.

Abstract 462: Activation of Akt2 by Apolipoprotein E Protects ATP-binding Cassette A1 From Degradation

We previously reported that lipid-free apolipoprotein E (apoE) is able to increase ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) transcription by activation of a signaling cascade involving very low-density lipoprotein receptor, apoE receptor 2, disabled-1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase Cζ, and specificity protein 1 (Sp1). Here we demonstrated that treatment of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages with human apoE3 enhanced Akt phosphorylation, and upregulated ABCA1 protein and mRNA expression. Inhibition of PI3K weakened apoE3-induced Akt phosphorylation, and reduced ABCA1 protein and mRNA levels. In contrast, inhibition of Akt only diminished apoE-induced ABCA1 protein but not significantly alter ABCA1 mRNA level. Inhibition of protein synthesis did not erase the ability of apoE3 to increase ABCA1 protein level. Further, apoE3 increased the resistance of ABCA1 protein to calpain-mediated degradation without affecting calpain activity. Treatment of 264.7 cells with apoE3 selectively enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt1 and Akt2 but not Akt3. Knockdown of Akt1 enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt2. Vice versa, knockdown of Akt2 enhanced Akt1 phosphorylation. Underexpression of Akt1 or Akt2, respectively, increased and decreased ABCA1 protein level; while overexpression of these Akt isoenzymes caused changes in ABCA1 protein level opposite to those induced by knockdown of the corresponding Akt. These data imply that apoE3 guards against calpain-mediated ABCA1 degradation through Akt2. PI3K might be a step in the signaling pathway for apoE3 to trigger Akt2. [This study was supported by NIH grants SC1HL101431].

Hypoxanthine induces cholesterol accumulation and incites atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice and cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during purine metabolism is associated with xanthine oxidase and uric acid. However, the direct effect of hypoxanthine on ROS generation and atherosclerosis has not been evaluated. Smoking and heavy drinking are associated with elevated levels of hypoxanthine. In this study, we investigated the role of hypoxanthine on cholesterol synthesis and atherosclerosis development, particularly in apolipoprotein E (APOE)‐deficient mice. The effect of hypoxanthine on the regulation of cholesterol synthesis and atherosclerosis were evaluated in Apoe knockout (KO) mice and cultured HepG2 cells. Hypoxanthine markedly increased serum cholesterol levels and the atherosclerotic plaque area in Apoe KO mice. In HepG2 cells, hypoxanthine increased intracellular ROS production. Hypoxanthine increased cholesterol accumulation and decreased APOE and ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, H2O2 also increased cholesterol accumulation and decreased APOE and ABCA1 expression. This effect was partially reversible by treatment with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine and allopurinol. Hypoxanthine and APOE knockdown using APOE‐siRNA synergistically induced cholesterol accumulation and reduced APOE and ABCA1 expression. Hypoxanthine induces cholesterol accumulation in hepatic cells through alterations in enzymes that control lipid transport and induces atherosclerosis in APOE‐deficient cells and mice. These effects are partially mediated through ROS produced in response to hypoxanthine.

Biology of High-Density Lipoproteins: An Update49High density lipoproteins exert pro-inflammatory effects on macrophages via passive cholesterol depletion and PKC-NF-kB/STAT1-IRF1 signaling50Homocysteine accelerated the formation of THP-1 macrophages-derived foam cells and cholesterol disorder via regulating the expressions of LXRa, ABCA1 and ABCG151Protein components of HDL as markers of cardiovascular damage in patients with arterial hypertension

Biology of High-Density Lipoproteins: An Update49High density lipoproteins exert pro-inflammatory effects on macrophages via passive cholesterol depletion and PKC-NF-kB/STAT1-IRF1 signaling50Homocysteine accelerated the formation of THP-1 macrophages-derived foam cells and cholesterol disorder via regulating the expressions of LXRa, ABCA1 and ABCG151Protein components of HDL as markers of cardiovascular damage in patients with arterial hypertension

AMPK activates LXRα and ABCA1 expression in human macrophages

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a key modulator of macrophage cholesterol homeostasis. We studied the impact of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on ABCA1 expression in primary human and THP-1 macrophages. Pharmacological or genetic activation of AMPK increased mRNA and protein expression of ABCA1 and its transcriptional activator liver X receptor (LXR) α, resulting in increased cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein AI-containing medium. On the other side, an AMPK knockdown decreased ABCA1 and LXRα mRNA and protein. Silencing LXRα, but not LXRβ, attenuated ABCA1 expression after AMPK activation, and luciferase reporter as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses showed the binding of LXRα to the LXR responsive element in the ABCA1 promoter. Inhibition of extracellular-signal regulated kinase and mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling increased ABCA1 expression, at the same time making it unresponsive to AMPK activation. Considering other potential regulators of ABCA1 expression, we excluded histone deacetylase HDAC9 and FOXO3 involvement in mediating AMPK effects on ABCA1. Our data link AMPK activation to an increased cholesterol efflux capacity of macrophages, suggesting an atheroprotective effect of macrophage AMPK.

Histone Methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2-Mediated ABCA1 Promoter DNA Methylation Contributes to the Progression of Atherosclerosis.

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays a critical role in maintaining cellular cholesterol homeostasis. The purpose of this study is to identify the molecular mechanism(s) underlying ABCA1 epigenetic modification and determine its potential impact on ABCA1 expression in macrophage-derived foam cell formation and atherosclerosis development. DNA methylation induced foam cell formation from macrophages and promoted atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice. Bioinformatics analyses revealed a large CpG island (CGI) located in the promoter region of ABCA1. Histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) downregulated ABCA1 mRNA and protein expression in THP-1 and RAW264.7 macrophage-derived foam cells. Pharmacological inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) with 5-Aza-dC or knockdown of DNMT1 prevented the downregulation of macrophage ABCA1 expression, suggesting a role of DNA methylation in ABCA1 expression. Polycomb protein EZH2 induced DNMT1 expression and methyl-CpG-binding protein-2 (MeCP2) recruitment, and stimulated the binding of DNMT1 and MeCP2 to ABCA1 promoter, thereby promoting ABCA1 gene DNA methylation and atherosclerosis. Knockdown of DNMT1 inhibited EZH2-induced downregulation of ABCA1 in macrophages. Conversely, EZH2 overexpression stimulated DNMT1-induced ABCA1 gene promoter methylation and atherosclerosis. EZH2-induced downregulation of ABCA1 gene expression promotes foam cell formation and the development of atherosclerosis by DNA methylation of ABCA1 gene promoter.

Akt isoform-dependent regulation of ATP-Binding cassette A1 expression by apolipoprotein E

We previously reported that apolipoprotein E (apoE) upregulates ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) transcription through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Here we demonstrate that treatment of murine macrophages with human apoE3 enhanced Akt phosphorylation, and upregulated ABCA1 protein and mRNA expression. Inhibition of PI3K weakened apoE3-induced Akt phosphorylation, and ABCA1 protein and mRNA increase. In contrast, inhibition of Akt only diminished apoE-induced ABCA1 protein but not the mRNA level. Suppression of protein synthesis did not erase the ability of apoE3 to increase ABCA1 protein level. Further, apoE3 increased the resistance of ABCA1 protein to calpain-mediated degradation without affecting calpain activity. Treatment of macrophages with apoE3 selectively enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt1 and Akt2, but not Akt3. Knockdown of Akt1 or Akt2 increased and decreased ABCA1 protein level, respectively; while overexpression of these Akt isoenzymes caused changes in ABCA1 protein level opposite to those induced by knockdown of the corresponding Akt. These data imply that apoE3 guards against calpain-mediated ABCA1 degradation through Akt2.