Neutrophil extracellular traps modulate inflammatory markers and uptake of oxidized LDL by human and murine macrophages.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like structures, which are released upon neutrophil activation. It has previously been demonstrated that NETs are present in atherosclerotic lesions of both humans and animal models thus playing a decisive role in atherosclerosis. Besides, macrophages have a crucial role in disease progression, whereby classically activated M1 macrophages sustain inflammation and alternatively activated M2 macrophages display anti-inflammatory effects. Although NETs and macrophages were found to colocalize in atherosclerotic lesions, the impact of NETs on macrophage function is not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of NETs on human and murine macrophages in respect to the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and uptake of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in vitro. Human THP-1 and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages were cultured under M1 (LPS + IFN-γ)- and M2a (IL-4)-polarizing culture conditions and treated with NETs. To mimic intraplaque regions, cells were additionally cultured under hypoxic conditions. NETs significantly increased the expression of IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6 in THP-M1 macrophages under normoxia but suppressed their expression in murine M1 macrophages under hypoxic conditions. Notably, NETs increased the number of oxLDL-positive M1 and M2 human and murine macrophages under normoxia, but did not influence formation of murine foam cells under hypoxia. However, oxLDL uptake did not strongly correlate with the expression of the LDL receptor CD36. Besides, upregulated MMP-9 expression and secretion by macrophages was detected in the presence of NETs. Again, hypoxic culture conditions dampened NETs effects. These results suggest that NETs may favor foam cell formation and plaque vulnerability, but exert opposite effects in respect to the inflammatory response of human and murine M1 macrophages. Moreover, effects of NETs on macrophages' phenotype are altered under hypoxia.

Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission is involved in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced AF cella poptosis.

This study aimed to assess the negative effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) on annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and decipher the mechanism of action of the process. After treating AF cells with various concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) of oxLDL for 24 and 48 hours, their viability was evaluated using cell counting kit-8 and live/dead staining. The percentage of AF cell death was determined with Annexin V/propidium iodide apoptosis staining. The expression of proteins related to the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was determined using Western blot. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed with JC-1 staining and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate ormitoSOX probes, respectively. Mitochondrial morphology was observed with a transmission electron microscope. After treatment with oxLDL, AF cell viability decreased, pro-apoptosis proteins (such as Bax, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3) increased, and anti-apoptosis proteins (Bcl-2) declined. Excessive ROS and diminished MMP were also detected during this process, as were enhanced mitochondrial fission and augmented Drp1 expression. Furthermore, knocking down the expression of Drp1 rescued oxLDL-induced AF cell death. Collectively, these results suggest that oxLDL induces AF cell death through a mitochondria-related pathway. Enhanced mitochondrial fission was involved in oxLDL-induced AF cell death. Targeting Drp1, a target for regulating the process of mitochondrial fission, may be a feasible strategy for preventing intervertebral disc degeneration in hyperlipidemia.

The role of oxidation of low-density lipids in pathogenesis of osteoarthritis: A narrative review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disorder that causes degeneration of cartilage, synovial inflammation, and formation of osteophytes. Aging, obesity, and sex are considered the main risk factors of OA. Recent studies have suggested that metabolic syndrome (MetS) disorders, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of OA. MetS disorders are common diseases that also result in atherosclerosis. Researchers believe that OA and atherosclerosis have underlying similar molecular mechanisms because the prevalence of both diseases increases with age. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Recent reports have shown that ox-LDL and low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) are involved in the pathogenesis of OA. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current understanding of the role of the LOX-1/ox-LDL system in the pathogenesis of OA and to reveal common underlying molecular pathways that are shared by MetS in OA and the LOX-1/ox-LDL system.

OxLDL alterations in endothelial cell membrane dynamics leads to changes in vesicle trafficking and increases cell susceptibility to injury.

Plasma membrane repair (PMR) is an important process for cell homeostasis, especially for cells under constant physical stress. Repair involves a sequence of Ca2+-dependent events, including lysosomal exocytosis and subsequent compensatory endocytosis. Cholesterol sequestration from plasma membrane causes actin cytoskeleton reorganization and polymerization, increasing cell stiffness, which leads to exocytosis and reduction of a peripheral pool of lysosomes involved in PMR. These changes in mechanical properties are similar to those observed in cells exposed to oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein (oxLDL), a key molecule during atherosclerosis development. Using a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (EAhY926) we evaluated the influence of mechanical modulation induced by oxLDL in PMR and its effect in endothelial fragility. Similar to MßCD (a drug capable of sequestering cholesterol) treatment, oxLDL exposure led to actin reorganization and de novo polymerization, as well as an increase in cell rigidity and lysosomal exocytosis. Additionally, for both MßCD and oxLDL treated cells, there was an initial increase in endocytic events, likely triggered by the peak of exocytosis induced by both treatments. However, no further endocytic events were observed, suggesting that constitutive endocytosis is blocked upon treatment and that the reorganized cytoskeleton function as a mechanical barrier to membrane traffic. Finally, the increase in cell rigidity renders cells more prone to mechanical injury. Together, these data show that mechanical modulation induced by oxLDL exposure not only alters membrane traffic in cells, but also makes them more susceptible to mechanical injury, which may likely contribute to the initial steps of atherosclerosis development.

MicroRNA-155 promotes the ox-LDL-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes via the ERK1/2 pathway in THP-1 macrophages and aggravates atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice.

BACKGROUND: Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation can induce the secretion of IL-1ß and IL-18 and after promoting the development of atherosclerosis. MiR-155 is an important microRNA that modulates inflammation in atherosclerosis, but the role of miR-155 in the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is still unknown. METHODS: The atherosclerosis model was set up using ApoE-/- mice, and the lentiviral vector (LV) was used to interfere the expression of miR-155. HE stains was used for plaque morphology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot were used for protein expression quantification. We used oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to incubate PMA-preprocessed THP-1 macrophages and detected NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by western blot and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: HE stains showed that the intravascular plaques in the miR-155-up group were remarkably increased, compared with negative control (NC) group. Results of IHC showed that the expression of caspase-1 and IL-1ß in the miR-155-up group was the highest of four groups, consist with the Western blot analysis. The results of in vitro experiment show that ox-LDL promoted NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Blocking the ERK1/2 pathway could inhibit ox-LDL-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, we found that the overexpression of miR-155 promoted the activation of the ox-LDL-induced NLRP3 inflammasome, which could also be blocked by the ERK inhibitor U0126. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-155 aggravates the carotid AS lesion in ApoE-/- mice and exerts a regulatory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in ox-LDL-induced macrophages via the ERK1/2 pathway.

Exercise Training Induced Changes In Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-Measured Lipid Particles In Mild Cognitively Impaired Elderly African American Volunteers: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: Poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is linked to cognitive deterioration, but its effects on lipid heterogeneity and functional properties in older African American (AA) subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) need elucidation. This study determined whether exercise training-induced changes in blood lipid particle sizes (LPS) were associated with CRF determined by VO2Max in elderly AAs with MCI. Given the pivotal role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on glucose metabolism, and therefore, "diabetic dyslipidemia", we also determined whether changes in LPS were associated with the levels of serum BDNF. METHODS: This analysis included 17 of the 29 randomized elderly AAs with MCI who had NMR data at baseline and after a 6-month training. We used Generalized Linear Regression (GLM) models to examine cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2Max) effects on training-induced change in LPS in the stretch and aerobic groups. Additionally, we determined whether the level of BDNF influenced change in LPS. RESULTS: Collectively, mean VO2Max (23.81±6.17) did not differ significantly between aerobic and stretch groups (difference=3.17±3.56, P=0.495). Training-related changes in very low-density lipoprotein, chylomicrons, and total low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle sizes correlated significantly with VO2Max, but not after adjustment for age and gender. However, increased VO2Max significantly associated with reduced total LDL particle size after similar adjustments (P = 0.046). While stretch exercise associated with increased protective large high-density lipoprotein particle size, the overall effect was not sustained following adjustments for gender and age. However, changes in serum BDNF were associated with changes in triglyceride and cholesterol transport particle sizes (P < 0.051). CONCLUSION: Promotion of stretch and aerobic exercise to increase CRF in elderly AA volunteers with MCI may also promote beneficial changes in lipoprotein particle profile. Because high BDNF concentration may reduce CVD risk, training-related improvements in BDNF levels are likely advantageous. Large randomized studies are needed to confirm our observations and to further elucidate the role for exercise therapy in reducing CVD risk in elderly AAs with MCI.

Rheb (Ras Homolog Enriched in Brain 1) Deficiency in Mature Macrophages Prevents Atherosclerosis by Repressing Macrophage Proliferation, Inflammation, and Lipid Uptake.

OBJECTIVE: Macrophage foam cell formation is an important process in atherosclerotic plaque development. The small GTPase Rheb (Ras homolog enriched in brain 1) regulates endocytic trafficking that is critical for foam cell formation. However, it is unclear whether and how macrophage Rheb regulates atherogenesis, which are the focuses of the current study. Approach and Results: Immunofluorescence study confirmed the colocalization of Rheb in F4/80 and Mac-2 (galectin-3)-labeled lesional macrophages. Western blot and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed that Rheb expression was significantly increased in atherosclerotic lesions of atherosclerosis-prone (apoE-/- [apolipoprotein E deficient]) mice fed with Western diet. Increased Rheb expression was also observed in oxidized LDL (low-density lipoprotein)-treated macrophages. To investigate the in vivo role of macrophage Rheb, we established mature RhebmKO (macrophage-specific Rheb knockout) mice by crossing the Rheb floxed mice with F4/80-cre mice. Macrophage-specific knockout of Rheb in mice reduced Western diet-induced atherosclerotic lesion by 32%, accompanied with a decrease in macrophage content in plaque. Mechanistically, loss of Rheb in macrophages repressed oxidized LDL-induced lipid uptake, inflammation, and macrophage proliferation. On the contrary, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of Rheb in macrophages increased oxidized LDL-induced lipid uptake and inflammation, and the stimulatory effect of Rheb was suppressed by the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor rapamycin or the PKA (protein kinase A) activator forskolin. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophage Rheb plays important role in Western diet-induced atherosclerosis by promoting macrophage proliferation, inflammation, and lipid uptake. Inhibition of expression and function of Rheb in macrophages is beneficial to prevent diet-induced atherosclerosis.

Susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein particles to aggregate depends on particle lipidome, is modifiable, and associates with future cardiovascular deaths.

Aims: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) through their retention, modification, and accumulation within the arterial intima. High plasma concentrations of LDL drive this disease, but LDL quality may also contribute. Here, we focused on the intrinsic propensity of LDL to aggregate upon modification. We examined whether inter-individual differences in this quality are linked with LDL lipid composition and coronary artery disease (CAD) death, and basic mechanisms for plaque growth and destabilization. Methods and results: We developed a novel, reproducible method to assess the susceptibility of LDL particles to aggregate during lipolysis induced ex vivo by human recombinant secretory sphingomyelinase. Among patients with an established CAD, we found that the presence of aggregation-prone LDL was predictive of future cardiovascular deaths, independently of conventional risk factors. Aggregation-prone LDL contained more sphingolipids and less phosphatidylcholines than did aggregation-resistant LDL. Three interventions in animal models to rationally alter LDL composition lowered its susceptibility to aggregate and slowed atherosclerosis. Similar compositional changes induced in humans by PCSK9 inhibition or healthy diet also lowered LDL aggregation susceptibility. Aggregated LDL in vitro activated macrophages and T cells, two key cell types involved in plaque progression and rupture. Conclusion: Our results identify the susceptibility of LDL to aggregate as a novel measurable and modifiable factor in the progression of human ASCVD.

The role of the mLDL-induced activation of the complement system classical pathway and C3 expression stimulation in atherosclerosis.

The role of modified low density lipoprotein in the activation of the classical pathway of the complement system and increasing expression C3 gene in human macrophages is described, role of these processes on the progression of atherosclerotic vascular lesions is considering.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulates epithelial sodium channels in endothelial cells of mouse thoracic aorta.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is expressed in endothelial cells and acts as a negative modulator of vasodilatation. Oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) is a key pathological factor in endothelial dysfunction. In the present study we examined the role of ENaC in ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction and its associated signal transduction pathway. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Patch clamp techniques combined with pharmacological approaches were used to examine ENaC activity in the endothelial cells of a split-open mouse thoracic aorta. Western blot analysis was used to determine ENaC expression in the aorta. The aorta relaxation was measured using a wire myograph assay. KEY RESULTS: Ox-LDL, but not LDL, significantly increased ENaC activity in the endothelial cells attached to split-open thoracic aortas, and the increase was inhibited by a lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) antagonist (κ-carrageenan), an NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin), and a scavenger of ROS (TEMPOL). Sodium nitroprusside, an NO donor, diminished the ox-LDL-mediated activation of ENaC, and this effect was abolished by inhibiting soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and PKG. Ox-LDL reduced the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation of the aorta pectoralis induced by ACh, and this reduction was partially restored by blocking ENaC. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Ox-LDL stimulates ENaC in endothelial cells through LOX-1 receptor-mediated activation of NADPH oxidase and accumulation of intracellular ROS. Since the stimulation of ENaC can be reversed by elevating NO, we suggest that both inhibition of ENaC and an elevation of NO may protect the endothelium from ox-LDL-induced dysfunction. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc.

The function of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein in the maintenance of mouse ovarian steroid balance.

The membrane proteins, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR-BI, gene name Scarb1), are lipoprotein receptors that play central roles in lipoprotein metabolism. Cholesterol bound in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and LDL is transported into cells mainly by SR-BI and LDLR. The relative contribution of LDL and HDL to the steroidogenic cholesterol pool varies among species and may vary among tissues within one species. To investigate which of these pathways is more important in the supply of cholesterol in mouse ovary, we utilized immunohistochemistry, western blotting, RNAi, and RT-PCR as well as Ldlr-/- mice to explore the uptake of HDL and LDL in the ovary. Our data demonstrate that both SR-BI and LDLR are present in the interstitial cells, thecal cells, and corpora lutea (CLs), and their expression fluctuates with the development of follicles and CLs. The intracellular cholesterol concentration was significantly decreased when Ldlr or Scarb1 was silenced in luteal cells. Furthermore, Ldlr-/- mice had lower progesterone and estrogen levels compared to wild-type mice, and when Ldlr-/- mice were treated with the inhibitor of de novo cholesterol synthesis, lovastatin, serum progesterone, and estrogen concentrations were further reduced. These results demonstrate that both LDLR and SR-BI play important roles in importing cholesterol and that both HDL and LDL are crucial in steroidogenesis in mouse ovaries.

LDL switches the LRP6 internalization route from flotillin dependent to clathrin dependent in hepatic cells.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) was originally identified as a co-receptor of the Wnt signalling pathway and has been shown to be involved in LDL transport. In polarized hepatocytes, many apical proteins are sorted to the basolateral membrane and then internalized and transported to the apical bile canalicular membrane - a process known as transcytosis. We show that LRP6 is transcytosed to the apical membrane of polarized hepatic HepG2 cells via a flotillin-dependent manner in the absence of LDL. LRP6 formed a complex with Niemann-Pick type C1-like 1 (NPC1L1), which is localized to the bile canalicular membrane of the liver and is involved in cholesterol absorption from the bile. LRP6 was required for apical membrane localization of NPC1L1 in the absence of LDL. Clathrin-dependent LRP6 internalization occurred in the presence of LDL, which resulted in trafficking of LRP6 to the lysosome, thereby reducing apical sorting of LRP6 and NPC1L1. These results suggest that LRP6 endocytosis proceeds by two routes, depending on the presence of LDL, and that LRP6 controls the intracellular destination of NPC1L1 in hepatocytes.

Increased inflammatory effect of electronegative LDL and decreased protection by HDL in type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Type 2 diabetic patients have an increased proportion of electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL(-)), an inflammatory LDL subfraction present in blood, and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein (HDL). We aimed at examining the inflammatory effect of LDL(-) on monocytes and the counteracting effect of HDL in the context of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which the population comprised 3 groups (n = 12 in each group): type 2 diabetic patients with good glycaemic control (GC-T2DM patients), type 2 diabetic patients with poor glycaemic control (PC-T2DM), and a control group. Total LDL, HDL, and monocytes were isolated from plasma of these subjects. LDL(-) was isolated from total LDL by anion-exchange chromatography. LDL(-) from the three groups of subjects was added to monocytes in the presence or absence of HDL, and cytokines released by monocytes were quantified by ELISA. RESULTS: LDL(-) proportion and plasma inflammatory markers were increased in PC-T2DM patients. LDL(-) from PC-T2DM patients induced the highest IL1ß, IL6, and IL10 release in monocytes compared to LDL(-) from GC-T2DM and healthy subjects, and presented the highest content of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). In turn, HDL from PC-T2DM patients showed the lowest ability to inhibit LDL(-)-induced cytokine release in parallel to an impaired ability to decrease NEFA content in LDL(-). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show an imbalance in the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of lipoproteins from T2DM patients, particularly in PC-T2DM.

Anti-inflammatory effect of a novel formulation of coconut inflorescence sap against ox-LDL induced inflammatory responses in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by modulating TLR-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox LDL) induced inflammatory response was reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory effect of a novel formulation of coconut inflorescence sap (CSP); COCOZEN™ against ox-LDL induced inflammatory responses in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). The hPBMCs were isolated from healthy human volunteers and cultured in collagen coated plates at 37 °C. The cells were grouped as Group I (Control), Group II (ox-LDL treated) and Group III (ox-LDL + CSP treated). Further analysis of inflammatory markers, reactive oxygen species, mRNA and protein expression levels indicated increased expressions of TLR-4, TNF-α, IL-6 and VCAM-1 in ox-LDL treated group along with the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Other inflammatory markers such as LOX, PGE2, NO, total COX and lipid peroxidation level were also found to be significantly (p < .05) increased upon Ox-LDL treatment. The treatment with CSP on the other hand was found to down regulate and reverse the ox-LDL-induced alterations indicating its potential anti-inflammatory effect on hPBMCs via TLR-NF-κB signaling pathway.

miR-497 accelerates oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced lipid accumulation in macrophages by repressing the expression of apelin.

microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. A previous study has reported that miR-497 is elevated in advanced atherosclerotic lesions in an apoE-deficient (apoE-/-) mouse model. The purpose of this study is to test whether miR-497 can modulate macrophage foam cell formation, an initiating event in atherosclerosis. We found that miR-497 was upregulated in THP-1 macrophages after treatment with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Enforced expression of miR-497 promoted lipid accumulation and decreased cholesterol efflux in oxLDL-exposed THP-1 macrophages. In contrast, downregulation of miR-497 suppressed oxLDL-induced lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages. Apelin was identified to be a downstream target of miR-497. Overexpression of miR-497 significantly reduced the expression of apelin in THP-1 macrophages. Interestingly, delivery of a miR-497-resistant variant of apelin significantly inhibited lipid accumulation and enhanced cholesterol efflux in miR-497-overexpressing THP-1 macrophages in response to oxLDL. In addition, miR-497 expression was increased and negatively correlated with apelin protein expression in human atherosclerotic lesions. In conclusion, miR-497 contributes to oxLDL-induced lipid deposition in macrophages largely via targeting of apelin and thus represents a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. 1. Evidence from genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical studies. A consensus statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel.

AIMS: To appraise the clinical and genetic evidence that low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed whether the association between LDL and ASCVD fulfils the criteria for causality by evaluating the totality of evidence from genetic studies, prospective epidemiologic cohort studies, Mendelian randomization studies, and randomized trials of LDL-lowering therapies. In clinical studies, plasma LDL burden is usually estimated by determination of plasma LDL cholesterol level (LDL-C). Rare genetic mutations that cause reduced LDL receptor function lead to markedly higher LDL-C and a dose-dependent increase in the risk of ASCVD, whereas rare variants leading to lower LDL-C are associated with a correspondingly lower risk of ASCVD. Separate meta-analyses of over 200 prospective cohort studies, Mendelian randomization studies, and randomized trials including more than 2 million participants with over 20 million person-years of follow-up and over 150 000 cardiovascular events demonstrate a remarkably consistent dose-dependent log-linear association between the absolute magnitude of exposure of the vasculature to LDL-C and the risk of ASCVD; and this effect appears to increase with increasing duration of exposure to LDL-C. Both the naturally randomized genetic studies and the randomized intervention trials consistently demonstrate that any mechanism of lowering plasma LDL particle concentration should reduce the risk of ASCVD events proportional to the absolute reduction in LDL-C and the cumulative duration of exposure to lower LDL-C, provided that the achieved reduction in LDL-C is concordant with the reduction in LDL particle number and that there are no competing deleterious off-target effects. CONCLUSION: Consistent evidence from numerous and multiple different types of clinical and genetic studies unequivocally establishes that LDL causes ASCVD.

Atractylenolide I restores HO-1 expression and inhibits Ox-LDL-induced VSMCs proliferation, migration and inflammatory responses in vitro.

Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is characterized by the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and inflammatory lesions. The aim of this study is to elucidate the effect of atractylenolide I (AO-I) on smooth muscle cell inflammation, proliferation and migration induced by oxidized modified low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). Here, We found that atractylenolide I inhibited Ox-LDL-induced VSMCs proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner, and decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines and the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in VSMCs. The study also identified that AO-I prominently inhibited p38-MAPK and NF-κB activation. More importantly, the specific heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) IX partially abolished the beneficial effects of atractylenolide I on Ox-LDL-induced VSMCs. Furthermore, atractylenolide I blocked the foam cell formation in macrophages induced by Ox-LDL. In summary, inhibitory roles of AO-I in VSMCs proliferation and migration, lipid peroxidation and subsequent inflammatory responses might contribute to the anti-atherosclerotic property of AO-I.

[Correlations between lipid ratio/oxidative stress status in COPD patients and pulmonary hypertension as well as prognosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlations between lipid ratio/oxidative stress status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and pulmonary hypertension as well as the prognosis.
 Methods: A total of 120 patients with COPD were randomly selected and served as the COPD group and 30 healthy persons were selected as the control group. The ratios of low density lipoprotein (LDL)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG)/HDL and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL were measured. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level in the control group and COPD patients were detected. Pulmonary hypertension incidence and 3-year survival rate for COPD patients were statistically analyzed. Spearman rank correlation method was used to analyze relationship between lipid ratio /oxidative stress status and pulmonary hypertension.
 Results: Compared with control group, the ratios of LDL/HDL, TG/HDL and TC/HDL, and the serum MDA level in the COPD group were increased, while the serum SOD and T-AOC level in the COPD group were decreased; compared with stable period, lipid ratios and MDA levels in the acute period were elevated, while serum SOD and T-AOC levels were reduced (P<0.05). Pulmonary hypertension incidence and 3-year survival rates in the COPD group were 56.67% and 81.67% respectively; the lipid ratios and serum MDA levels in COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension were elevated compared with that in COPD patients without pulmonary hypertension; the serum SOD and T-AOC levels in COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension were reduced compared with that in patients without pulmonary hypertension (P<0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that ratios of LDL/HDL, TG/HDL and TC/HDL, and the serum MDA levels in COPD patients were positively correlated with 3-years pulmonary hypertension incidence (r=0.752, 0.748, 0.752, 0.748; P<0.05), and negatively correlated with 3-years survival rate (r=-0.722, -0.751, -0.736, -0.748; P<0.05); serum SOD and T-AOC levels in COPD patients were negatively correlated with 3-years pulmonary hypertension (r=-0.711, -0.734; P<0.05), and positively correlated with 3-year survival rate (r=0.726, 0.733; P<0.05). 
 Conclusion: Blood lipid ratio and oxidative stress levels in COPD patients are elevated while antioxidant abilities were attenuated. The lipid ratio and oxidative stress status in COPD patients is closely related to the prognosis of pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, blood lipid ratio and oxidative stress status may be used in evaluation of pulmonary hypertension and prognosis for COPD patients.