RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) is a glycoprotein which can be secreted by immune cells. Several studies in humans have suggested Lcn2 can be used as a biomarker for the detection of unstable atherosclerotic lesions, partly as it is known to interact with MMP-9. METHODS: In this study, we generated Ldlr-/-Lcn2-/- mice to assess the functional role of Lcn2 in different stages of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic lesions were characterized through histological analysis and myeloid cell populations were examined using flow cytometry. RESULTS: We show that Ldlr-/-Lcn2-/- mice developed larger atherosclerotic lesions during earlier stages of atherosclerosis and had increased circulating Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes compared to Ldlr-/- mice. Advanced atherosclerotic lesions from Ldlr-/-Lcn2-/- mice had decreased necrotic core area, suggesting Lcn2 deficiency may affect lesion stability. Furthermore, MMP-9 activity was diminished in plaques from Ldlr-/-Lcn2-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these findings suggest that Lcn2 deficiency promotes lesion growth in earlier stages of the disease while it decreases MMP-9 activity and necrotic core size in advanced atherosclerosis.
Asunto(s)
Aorta/metabolismo , Enfermedades de la Aorta/metabolismo , Aterosclerosis/metabolismo , Lipocalina 2/metabolismo , Placa Aterosclerótica , Animales , Aorta/patología , Enfermedades de la Aorta/genética , Enfermedades de la Aorta/patología , Aterosclerosis/genética , Aterosclerosis/patología , Dieta Alta en Grasa , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Femenino , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Lipocalina 2/deficiencia , Lipocalina 2/genética , Metaloproteinasa 9 de la Matriz/metabolismo , Ratones Noqueados , Monocitos/metabolismo , Monocitos/patología , Necrosis , Fenotipo , Receptores de LDL/genética , Receptores de LDL/metabolismo , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Innovative living arrangement options are being developed around the country to provide both preparation and practical experience in independent living for older youths unable to return home. This article describes in detail the full continuum of existing options and their general characteristics.