阿托伐他汀对C反应蛋白诱导的CD14+单核细胞Toll样受体4表达影响的实验研究

目的 观察阿托伐他汀对C反应蛋白(CRP)诱导的外周血CD14+单核细胞Toll样受体4(TLR4)表达,以及TLR4信号传导下游炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子α(TNFα)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)的影响,探讨阿托伐他汀的抗炎机制.方法 不同浓度(0、5、25、50、100 μg/ml)和不同作用时间(0、6、12、24、48 h)的C反应蛋白(CRP)刺激正常人外周血CD14+单核细胞.给予CRP 50 μg/ml预先干预CD14+单核细胞2 h后,再用不同浓度的阿托伐他汀(1.0、2.5、5.0、7.5、10.0 μmol/L)进行干预.应用流式细胞仪检测细胞表面TLR4蛋白的表达,并应用定量PCR方法检测TLR4 mRNA和髓样分化蛋白2(myeloid differentiation protein,MD2)mRNA的表达,ELISA法检测刺激前后细胞上清液TNFα、IL-6和MMP-9的蛋白水平.结果 (1)CRP 0 μg/ml组TLR4蛋白表达量为19.59%,CRP 5 μg/ml组的TLR4蛋白表达为29.33%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),并随着CRP浓度的增加,TLR4蛋白表达量逐渐增加.以CRP 0 h组为空白对照,CRP 6 h组的TLR4蛋白表达量为25.75%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),并随着时间的增加,TLR4表达量逐渐增加.(2)以CRP 50 μg/ml组为对照组,CRP 50 μg/ml和阿托伐他汀1.0 μmol/L组、2.5 μmol/L组、5.0 μmol/L组、7.5 μmol/L组、10.0 μmol/L组,TLR4蛋白表达分别为(68.17±1.71)%、(52.43±1.38)%、(27.72±4.55)%、(17.46±3.20)%、(9.99±2.81)%.(3)以CRP 50 μg/ml组为标准,CRP 50 μg/ml〖JP〗和阿托伐他汀1.0 μmol/L组、2.5 μmol/L组、5.0 μmol/L组、7.5 μmol/L组、10.0 μmol/L组,TLR4 mRNA分别为对照组的82.72%、67.34%、48.16%、30.88%、13.85%.MD2 mRNA分别为对照组的81.78%、71.04%、47.85%、27.06%、18.30%.随着阿托伐他汀浓度增加,TLR4和MD2的mRNA含量减少.(4)当单核细胞未受CRP和阿托伐他汀刺激时,分泌TNFα、IL-6和MMP-9的基础值分别为(16.3±5.8)pg/ml、(31.1±9.5)pg/ml 和(155.0±47.2)ng/ml.CRP 50 μg/ml组,单核细胞分泌TNFα、IL-6和MMP-9分别为(106.9±7.5)pg/ml、(566.9±10.0)pg/ml和(416.9±37.1)ng/ml,与空白对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义,P均<0.01.而CRP和阿托伐他汀2.5 μmol/L组,单核细胞分泌TNFα、IL-6和MMP-9分别为(81.1±5.4)pg/ml、(433.9±18.1)pg/ml和(310.5±16.3)ng/ml,与CRP 50 μg/ml组比较差异均有统计学意义,P均<0.01.结论 CRP可剂量依赖性和时间依赖性地增加CD14+单核细胞TLR4和MD2的表达,阿托伐他汀通过抑制CRP诱导单核细胞TLR4信号转导途径,降低炎症因子TNFα、IL-6和MMP-9的分泌,是其抗炎作用的机制之一.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the effects of atorvastatin on C-reactive protein (CRP)induced Toll-Like receptor 4(TLR4)expression on CD14+ monocyte, and the production of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), and to study the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of statins. Methods The monocytes were isolated from blood of healthy volunteers by the Ficoll density gradient and stimulated by CRP with different doses (5, 25, 50, 100 μg/ml)and different exposure time (6, 12, 24, 48 h). Cells were also incubated with atorvastatin of different doses (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 μmol/L)in the presence of CRP 50 μg/ml. The protein expression of TLR4 was measured by flow cytometry, mRNA expression of TLR4 and of myeloid differentiation protein (MD2)was detected by quantitative PCR. TNFα, IL-6, MMP-9 concentrations in supernatants of cultured medium were measured by ELISA.Results (1)Compared with the un-stimulated control group, enhanced TLR4 protein expression was already detected at a concentration of 5 μg/ml of CRP and increased in a dose-dependent manner (32.22±2.80)%, (49.94±5.58)%, (74.82±3.24)% and (90.82±2.88)% at 5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml CRP. (2)TLR4 protein expression on 50 μg/ml CRP stimulated cells also increased in a time-dependent manner (29.80±2.70)%, (47.44±4.41)%, (81.71±2.92)% and (50.57±3.34)% after 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h.(3)When monocytes were incubated with CRP 50 μg/ml and atorvastatin (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 μmol/L), protein expression [(68.17±1.71)%, (52.43±1.38)%, (27.72±4.55)%, (17.46±3.20)%, (9.99±2.81)%］and mRNA expression (82.72%, 67.34%, 48.16%, 30.88%, 13.85%)of TLR4 as well as mRNA expression of MD2 (81.78%, 71.04%, 47.85%, 27.06%, 18.30%)were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. (4)Level of TNFα, IL-6 and MMP-9 in supernatants was significantly reduced by atorvastatin (2.5 μmol/L)compared with control group(P<0.01). When monocyte incubated with CRP 50 μg/ml and atorvastatin 10.0 μmol/L, the level of TNFα, IL-6, MMP-9 decreased to (25.8±2.5)pg/ml, (128.2±14.7)pg/ml, (65.2±12.3)ng/ml, respectively.Conclusion CRP increased the protein expression of TLR4 on CD14+ monocyte in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Atorvastatin can inhibit the signal transduction of TLR4 and reduce proinflammatory cytokines release induced by CRP on CD14+ monocyte, and this might be one of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of atorvastatin.     

替米沙坦对ApoE基因缺陷小鼠单核细胞Toll样受体4表达的影响

目的 通过观察替米沙坦对动脉粥样硬化(AS)模型小鼠单核细胞Toll样受体4(TLR4)表达的影响,探讨替米沙坦在AS治疗中的炎性机制. 方法 AS模型采用高脂餐喂养的ApoE基因缺陷小鼠.替米沙坦干预组在高脂餐喂养基础上给予替米沙坦.8周后,测定单纯高脂饮食组和替米沙坦干预组血清低密度脂蛋白、三酰甘油、总胆固醇水平,并应用流式细胞仪检测两组小鼠外周血单核细胞表面TLR4的表达. 结果 两组小鼠血脂水平无统计学差异.与单纯高脂饮食组相比,替米沙坦干预组小鼠TLR4表达明显降低(P＜0.05). 结论 替米沙坦可降低TLR4表达而干预其在AS进程中介导的炎性反应.     

Expression of Toll-like receptor 2 on CD16+ blood monocytes and synovial tissue macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: CD16 (IgG Fcgamma receptor type IIIA [FcgammaRIIIA])-expressing CD14+ monocytes express high levels of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and are able to efficiently produce proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). To understand the role of CD16 and TLR-2 in monocyte and macrophage activation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we investigated the expression of TLR-2 on CD16+ blood monocytes and synovial tissue macrophages and the effect of CD16 and TLR-2 activation on cytokine production. METHODS: The expression of CD14, CD16, TLR-2, and TLR-4 on blood monocytes was measured by flow cytometric analysis. CD16 and TLR-2 expression in RA synovial tissue was detected by 2-color immunofluorescence labeling. CD16+ mature monocytes were prepared by incubating blood monocytes in plastic plates for 24 hours. These adhered monocytes were stimulated with lipoteichoic acid (LTA), anti-FcgammaRIII antibody, and Hsp60 for 5 hours, and culture supernatants were measured for various cytokines by immunoassay. The activation of NF-kappaB was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS: The frequency of CD16+ cells in all blood monocytes was significantly increased in patients with RA compared with healthy controls. TLR-2 was expressed at higher levels on CD16+ monocytes than on CD16- monocytes, while TLR-4 was expressed similarly on both monocytes. In RA synovial tissue, CD16+/TLR-2+ cells were distributed mainly in the lining layer. TLR-2 expression on monocytes was enhanced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), but was reduced by transforming growth factor beta1, while CD16 expression was inducible by these cytokines. Adhered monocytes ( approximately 50% CD16+) produced TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 p40, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and IL-10 after LTA stimulation. This cytokine response was inhibited significantly by anti-TLR-2 antibody and partly by anti-TLR-4 antibody. Anti-FcgammaRIII antibody stimulation markedly enhanced the LTA-induced TNFalpha response. Hsp60 could stimulate TNFalpha production by adhered monocytes, which was inhibited similarly by anti-TLR-2 antibody and anti-TLR-4 antibody. NF-kappaB activation in adhered monocytes was induced by LTA, but this NF-kappaB activity was not augmented by anti-FcgammaRIII antibody stimulation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that CD16+ monocytes and synovial tissue macrophages with high TLR-2 expression may be induced by M-CSF and IL-10, and their production of TNFalpha could be simulated by endogenous TLR ligands such as Hsp60 and FcgammaRIIIA ligation by small immune complexes in RA joints.     

Toll样受体4与肝脏疾病

Toll样受体最早在果蝇体内被发现,对果蝇的天然免疫起重要作用。1997年Medzhitov等发现在哺乳动物体内的与果蝇TOll结构相似的受体蛋白,即TOLL样受体（TLRs）。TLRs作为一种重要的模式识别受体,构成了机体抗感染的第一道防线,并对获得性免疫的发生和类型起重要作用。Toll样受体4（TLR4）是最早发现的哺乳动物TLRs蛋白,被认为与革兰氏阴性细菌及其内毒素的识别和激活有关,并在肝脏疾病包括酒精性肝病、病毒性肝炎、肝纤维化等的发生、发展过程中发挥重要作用,成为目前的研究热点之一。本文将从TLR4的结构、信号通路及在各种肝病中的作用分别加以阐述。     

急性胰腺炎患者外周血CD14^+CD16^+单核细胞表达B7-H2的临床意义

背景急性胰腺炎(acute pancreatitis,AP)是常见的急腹症,不同类型预后不同.AP的免疫应答和失衡免疫与其严重程度有关,炎症因子和相关免疫细胞在AP发病机制中至关重要,因而寻找炎症细胞和新炎症免疫因子对精准治疗AP具有重要意义.目的探讨AP患者外周血CD14^+CD16^+单核细胞表达B7-H2的临床意义.方法A P患者63例[轻度A P(m i l dA P,M A P)25例、中度AP(moderately severe AP,MSAP)20例、重度AP(severe AP,SAP)18例],对照组为健康体检者20例,采用流式细胞仪检测CD14^+CD16^+细胞亚群上B7-H2表达情况,评价其与胰腺炎严重程度关联性及临床意义.结果AP患者发病24hCD14^+CD16^+细胞B7-H2出现异常高表达,显著高于健康对照组(t=11.10,P<0.001);A P各组B 7-H 2在C D 14^+C D 16^+细胞膜上表达明显高于CD14^+C D16^-细胞膜上表达(P<0.01);SAP组CD14^+C D 16^+和CD14^+C D 16^-细胞B7-H2表达(373.30±89.72和78.62±13.05)最高,M S A P组(279.55±76.95/44.92±12.44)其次,均高于M A P组(181.15±35.75/23.32±4.28),各组两两比较差异有显著性(P<0.01);MAP组、MSAP组发病24 h、48 h、72hCD14^+CD16^+和CD14^+CD16^-单核细胞膜B7-H2动态表达差异无显著性(P>0.05),然而,SAP组无论C D14^+C D16^+还是CD14^+C D16^-细胞膜B7-H2表达24h、48h、72h均呈明显上升趋势,差异有显著性(P<0.05).结论CD14^+CD16^+和CD14^+CD16^-单核细胞膜B7-H2在AP患者体内高表达,与AP严重程度密切相关,且SAP呈动态升高变化;同时B7-H2在AP患者CD14^+CD16^+单核细胞膜表达较CD14^+CD16^-单核细胞明显升高,为进一步认识AP免疫应答和失衡提供了新的线索,为AP精准靶向治疗提供参考.     

Serglycin expression in CD2+ and CD14+ cells from patients with various rheumatic diseases

The objective of the study was to look at the in vivo expression of serglycin in cells taken from patients with an inflammatory disease. The mRNA expression of the small proteoglycan serglycin was investigated in macrophages/monocytes and T-cells derived from the synovial fluid and blood of six patients with various rheumatic diseases and from the blood of two control subjects. Our results demonstrate higher Levels of expression in CD14+ cetts taken from patients with chronic inflammatory diseases than in control subjects. This suggests that serglycin may play a role during the inflammatory process.     

英夫利西单抗对类风湿关节炎患者外周血单核细胞CD147表达的影响

目的 探讨抗肿瘤坏死因子-α人鼠嵌合单克隆抗体英夫利西单抗(infliximab)治疗前后类风湿关节炎(RA)患者外周血单核细胞CD147表达的变化.方法 30例经甲氨蝶呤(MTX)治疗至少3个月病情仍处于活动期的RA患者按3:1:1比例由计算机程序产生随机分配方案分为A、B、C 3组,A组接受为期14周的英夫利西单抗(3 mg/kg)治疗;B组接受为期6周的英夫利两单抗(3 mg/kg)治疗;C组接受为期14周的安慰剂治疗.治疗期间继续口服原剂量的MTX.流式细胞术检测RA患者外周血CD14+单核细胞CD147平均荧光强度水平(MFI)变化,并观察其与临床相关指标的关系.数据采用SPSS 13.0软件进行单因素方差分析、Spearman相关分析和Kruskal-Wallis秩和检验.结果 ①治疗前RA患者外周血CD14+单核细胞CD147 MFI为(101±25),健康志愿者为(78±18),差异有统计学意义(P=0.019).RA患者外周血CD147 MFI与病情活动指标DAS28(r=0.471,P=0.000)、红细胞沉降率(ESR)(r=0.371,P=0.000)、C反应蛋IQ(CRP)(r=0.249.P=0.010)、晨僵持续时间(r=279,P=0.010)呈正相关.②3组患者治疗后外周血CD14+单核细胞CD147 MFI均有下降,第18周与基线相比,A组平均改变差值(-26.9±21.7)、B组平均改变差值(-35.4±15.5)与C组平均改变差值(-10.0±6.0)相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 活动期RA患者外周血CD14+单核细胞CD147表达增高;与单用MTX相比,英夫利西单抗联合MTX治疗CD147 MFI表达下降更明显.     

CD14 expression on monocytes and soluble CD14 plasma levels in correlation to the promotor polymorphism of the endotoxin receptor CD14 gene in patients with inactive Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The association of the single nucleotide polymorphism in the promotor of the lipopolysaccharide receptor CD14 gene (T/C at position -159) with Crohn's disease has recently been demonstrated. This CD14 polymorphism is a potential predisposition factor responsible for inter-individual differing inflammatory reactions involving the CD14 receptor. We studied the correlation between the CD14 genotype (CC, CT, TT) and the membrane-bound CD14 monocyte expression and soluble CD14 in patients with inactive Crohn's disease. METHODOLOGY: In 23 patients and 29 healthy volunteers the membrane-bound CD14 density on unstimulated monocytes and soluble CD14 plasma levels were examined using quantitative flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In normal controls membrane-bound CD14 monocyte density did not differ significantly between the genotypes CC, CT, or TT. In contrast, patients with inactive Crohn's disease and genotype TT showed a significantly lower membrane-bound CD14 density on monocytes compared to patients with genotype CC. Soluble CD14 plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with inactive Crohn's disease compared to the same genotype of healthy controls, but there was no significant difference between the genotypes CC, CT, and TT. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the membrane-bound CD14 monocyte expression and the soluble CD14 plasma levels in patients with inactive Crohn's disease completely differ from that in healthy individuals. In order to develop individualized therapy strategies further studies should be carried out to evaluate whether the TT genotype is associated with differences in the clinical course of Crohn's disease and in the response to antibacterial treatment.     

Activation of CD14 on circulating monocytes in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background: Increasing evidence supports the involvement of inflammation in acute phase of coronary artery diseases. Methods: We analyzed the status of activation of inflammatory cells in 38 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 14 stable angina patients, and 19 control subjects by flow-cytometry. Expression levels of CD14 and the percentage of HLA-DR⁺ T-lymphocytes were used as markers of monocyte and T-lymphocytes activation, respectively. Results: The expression of CD14 on monocytes in acute coronary syndrome patients (mean fluorescence intensity±S.D.=158.1±77.1) was increased significantly in comparison to control subjects (57.1±8.0) and the stable angina group (63.6±22.0) (P<0.0001 for both). A significantly higher percentage of HLA-DR positive T-lymphocytes (20.4±9.0 vs. 12.7±3.7%, P<0.01) was observed in acute coronary syndrome patients in comparison to control subjects. Incubation of whole blood cells with bacterial lipopolysaccharide resulted in a 2.4-fold higher secretion of tumor necrosis factor- in acute coronary syndrome patients than in control subjects (P<0.05). When these markers of activation were measured in acute coronary syndrome patients 6 weeks after medical treatment, a significant reduction both in monocytic CD14 expression and percentage of HLA-DR positive T-lymphocytes (P<0.05 for both) was observed. Discussion: We observed markedly increased levels of monocytic CD14 expression in ACS patients, which appear to indicate the activated status of monocytes and hyper-responsiveness to external stimuli. The CD14 expression levels decreased as the patients were treated, indicating that the expression of CD14 accurately represents the activation status of monocytes during the acute phase of coronary artery diseases.     

Toll-like receptor 2 expression on monocytes and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic debilitating illness, and atherosclerotic changes are inevitable and usually neglected during the follow-up of diabetic patients. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is under trial in many studies to hold responsibility for atherosclerosis process progression as they suggest a malfunction of these receptors expressed on monocytes in diabetic patients. This study aimed to assess the association between the TLR2 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Egyptian diabetic patients and to investigate its relationship with some diabetic complications.MethodsThis study included a 60 diabetic patients group 1 (diabetic complicated), group 2 (diabetic non-complicated) and 30 age-matched normal healthy blood donors.ResultsToll-like receptors (TLRs) expression was significantly associated with T2DM. In this study, the mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of TLR2 was 596.9 ± 84.78 in group 1, 326.23 ± 62.98 in group 2 while in group 3 it was 208.47 ± 156.73. There was a significant correlation between MFI of TLR2 and random blood sugar (RBS) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (p < 0.05).ConclusionTLR2 was overexpressed in diabetic patients with microvascular complications compared to diabetic non-complicated patients and normal healthy controls.     

肝硬化患者外周血单核细胞表面CD14表达及其与Toll样受体4、2的相关性

目的 检测肝硬化患者外周血单核细胞(PBMC)表面CD14的表达,并探讨其与Toll样受体(TLR)-4、TLR-2的相关性,及CD14表达与细菌感染的关系.方法 采用三色荧光染色法,荧光素标记的抗TLR-2、抗TLR-4、抗CD14单克隆抗体对57例研究对象(肝硬化腹水患者30例,肝硬化患者12例,健康对照者15例)血细胞表面分子进行免疫荧光染色,应用流式细胞仪检测;肝硬化患者血及腹水细菌培养采用床边接种10 mL至BACTECTM血培养瓶方法送细菌培养.组间比较采用两样本t检验,相关性分析采用Spearman秩相关.结果 CD14平均荧光强度的几何均数(GMF)在肝硬化腹水组为413.8±80.4,健康对照组为187.7±34.9,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);肝硬化腹水与无腹水患者组(189.8±29.5)比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);肝硬化无腹水患者组与健康对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).在肝硬化腹水组,CD14的表达与TLR-2、TLR-4的表达呈显著正相关性(P=0.01,r=0.849;P=0.05,r=0.483).14例肝硬化腹水患者腹水细菌培养呈阳性.结论 外周血中PBMC表面CD14、TLR-2和TLR-4的高表达提示肝硬化腹水存在细菌感染和细菌移位导致的机体炎性反应,有可能进一步加重肝损伤.     

Differential expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and human monocyte subsets in acute myocardial infarction

ObjectiveTo investigate the involvement of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression on two monocyte subsets in the pathologic processes related to acute coronary syndrome. How monocytes, which have recently been shown to comprise two distinct subsets, mediate the process of coronary plaque rupture remains to be fully elucidated. Recent studies have shown that TLR4 is involved in monocyte activation of patients with accelerated forms of atherosclerosis.MethodsWe enrolled 65 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI, n = 22), unstable angina pectoris (UAP, n = 16), and stable angina pectoris (SAP, n = 27) who underwent coronary angiography and 15 healthy controls. The expression of TLR4 on two monocyte subsets (CD14⁺CD16^? and CD14⁺CD16⁺) was measured by flow cytometry.ResultsIn patients with AMI, TLR4 was more expressed on circulating CD14⁺CD16⁺ monocytes than on CD14⁺CD16^? monocytes (p < 0.001). The expression levels of TLR4 on CD14⁺CD16⁺ monocytes were significantly elevated in patients with AMI compared with other 3 groups. TLR4 expression levels on CD14⁺CD16⁺ monocytes were significantly elevated at the culprit site compared with the systemic level (p = 0.044). The up-regulation of TLR4 on admission was remarkably decreased 12 days after AMI (p < 0.001). In addition, plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α were positively correlated with TLR4 expression levels on monocytes in patients with AMI (r = 0.47, p = 0.027).ConclusionTLR overexpression on CD14⁺CD16⁺ monocytes in AMI, as demonstrated both in the circulation and at the coronary culprit site, might be associated with the pathogenesis of AMI.     

Acceleration of endothelial-like cell differentiation from CD14+ monocytes in vitro

OBJECTIVE: In vitro differentiation of endothelial cells has potential applications in vascular tissue engineering and cell-based therapy for many diseases. The objective of this study was to develop a new strategy that utilizes cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to accelerate endothelial-like cell differentiation from peripheral blood CD14(+) monocytes. METHODS: Peripheral blood CD14(+) monocytes were purified with immunobeads and cultured with an angiogenic growth factor-rich growth medium (EGM-2) with or without initial treatment of LPS in combination of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) for 4 days (the day 4 cultures). The cells were then continuously cultured in EGM-2 medium for an additional 4 or 10 days (the day 8 or day 14 cultures). Cell markers were determined by flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Cytokine/chemokine profile was studied by Bio-Plex immunoassay. RESULTS: In the group of initial treatment of LPS in combination with GM-CSF, IL-4, and EGM-2, the majority of suspended CD14(+) monocytes were attached and changed their morphology to endothelial-like cells, which expressed high levels of endothelial cell markers CD31, von Willebrand factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 as well as two major endothelial tight junction proteins zonula occludens -1 and occludin in the day 8 cultures. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression was substantially increased. Endothelial-like cells were also able to uptake acetylated low-density lipoprotein and bind to Ulex europeus lectin. In addition, endothelial-like cells showed a unique cytokine/chemokine profile with substantial increases of macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta, IL-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and IL-8. CONCLUSION: Initial treatment of LPS in combination with GM-CSF, IL-4, and EGM-2 is an effective strategy for acceleration of endothelial-like cell differentiation from peripheral blood CD14(+) monocytes in vitro.