Development of atherosclerosis in Balb/c apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

BACKGROUND: Since its creation in 1992 by gene inactivation via gene targeting, the apolipoprotein E "knockout" mouse has become the most widely used rodent model for the study of atherosclerosis. Commercially available apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice are bred on a C57BL/6J background. The goal of the present study was to investigate the development of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice generated on a Balb/c background. METHODS: We compared serum cholesterol concentrations and the development of atherosclerotic lesions in heterozygous Balb/c [apolipoprotein E(+/-)] mice fed regular rodent chow, Balb/c apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed regular chow, and Balb/c apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet for up to 30 weeks. Expression of the chemokine JE (murine homologue of MCP-1), as well as the adhesion molecules E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, in the aortas of knockout mice fed a high-fat diet was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Balb/c apolipoprotein E-deficient mice develop atherosclerotic lesions in a reproducible temporal and morphological pattern. Total serum cholesterol concentrations in Balb/c apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed regular chow or a high-fat diet, respectively, closely parallel those reported for C57BL/6J apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. The expression of all three adhesion molecules in the aorta follows a similar temporal pattern, peaking in the first 15 weeks, whereas JE concentrations peak around 23 weeks. CONCLUSION: The availability of Balb/c apolipoprotein E-deficient mice will facilitate the study of atherosclerosis in a mouse strain that can concomitantly develop other pathological states that are not readily inducible in mice with the C57BL/6J background.     

Geniposide regulates the miR-101/MKP-1/p38 pathway and alleviates atherosclerosis inflammatory injury in ApoE-/- mice

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the common pathological basis of chronic cardiovascular diseases and is associated with inflammation and lipid metabolism dysfunction. Geniposide, the main active ingredient of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruit, exhibits a variety of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative functions; however, its role in AS remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of geniposide in alleviating inflammation and thereby attenuating the development of AS. ApoE^?/? mice were fed a high fat diet to induce AS and were treated with geniposide (50?mg/kg) for 12 weeks. Blood glucose and lipid levels were measured by biochemical analysis. H&E, Masson and Oil red O staining were performed to observe morphological changes and lipid deposition in the aorta and liver. Serum inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the target relationship between microRNA-101 (miR-101) and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). The levels of miR-101, p-p38, and MKP-1 in the aorta were detected by qPCR and western blotting. The anti-inflammatory effect of geniposide in vitro was investigated in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. A miR-101 mimic and an inhibitor were used to study the effect of miR-101 on regulating the expression of the target MKP-1 and the downstream inflammatory cytokines. Geniposide treatment reduced lipid levels and plaque size in the mouse model of AS. Geniposide downregulated miR-101 to upregulate MKP-1 and suppress the production of inflammatory factors in vitro and in vivo. Geniposide suppressed the levels of inflammatory factors in the presence of the miR-101 mimic, whereas no obvious effect was observed in the miR-101 inhibitor group. We concluded that geniposide reduced the plaque size and alleviated inflammatory injury in ApoE^?/? mice and RAW264.7 cells. The specific anti-inflammatory mechanism was related to the miR-101/ MKP-1/p38 signaling pathway.     

细胞自噬与动脉粥样硬化关系的研究进展

自噬是一种降解病原体和相关细胞器尤其是损伤的线粒体的分子机制,自噬也可清除其他的细胞成分,例如炎症和细胞因子,这为抗炎症提供了重要的途径.相关研究发现,自噬的产生或降解能够影响动脉粥样硬化斑块的发展过程.因此,在疾病出现时,自噬的调节对于疾病治疗的靶点具有重要的意义.然而,在正常情况和炎症反应时,自噬的调节方式是多方面的.这些错综复杂的改变是通过炎症和环境刺激所产生的,这对于了解和揭示自噬调节的炎症和提供相应的治疗方案是必不可少的.因而人了解自噬的分子机制,以及血管内皮细胞、血管平滑肌细胞、巨噬细胞自噬在动脉粥样硬化中起到的作用对于疾病的发展和靶向治疗具有重要意义.     

巨噬细胞及巨噬细胞自噬在动脉粥样硬化中的作用研究

动脉粥样硬化(AS)是一种常见的慢性血管炎性病变,可导致多种心脑疾病.目前认为,脂代谢失衡与巨噬细胞在吞噬脂质过程中引发的异常免疫反应是动脉粥样硬化发病的重要原因.因而研究巨噬细胞及自噬在AS发生和发展中的作用及其相关的治疗靶点具有重要意义.     

黄酒和红葡萄酒抑制LDLR~(-/-)小鼠MMP-2表达和动脉粥样硬化斑块形成

目的:观察黄酒是否能减轻动脉粥样硬化斑块的形成并探讨其可能机制。方法:48只6周龄LDLR-/-小鼠,以高脂+高蛋氨酸(标准饲料+10%油脂+1.25%胆固醇+1%L-蛋氨酸)喂养诱导形成高同型半胱氨酸血症并致动脉粥样硬化模型,随机分为:黄酒组、红葡萄酒组、酒精组和对照组,每组12只。14周后处死小鼠,检测血脂及血浆同型半胱氨酸;观察胸腹主动脉和主动脉窦部粥样硬化情况;免疫组化测定主动脉窦部MMP-2的表达;明胶酶谱法测定MMP-2的活性。结果:(1)4组间TC、TG、HDL-C水平无显著差别(P0.05),黄酒组血浆HCY分别较对照组、酒精组和红葡萄酒组显著下降(P0.01)。(2)与对照组比较,主动脉粥样硬化斑块面积黄酒组、红葡萄酒组和酒精组分别减少了33.7%、35.9%(P0.01)和6.5%(P0.05);与酒精组比较,黄酒组和红葡萄酒组主动脉粥样硬化面积差别同样显著(P0.01)。分别与对照组和酒精组比较,黄酒组和红葡萄酒组主动脉窦部粥样硬化面积减少同样显著差异(P0.01),黄酒组和红葡萄酒组间无显著差异(P0.05)。(3)与对照组比较,MMP-2的表达在黄酒组、红葡萄酒组和酒精组分别减少了26.3%、27.6%(P0.01)和5.7%(P0.05);MMP-2的活性在黄酒组、红葡萄酒组、酒精组分别减少了31.7%、32.5%(P0.01)和6.7%(P0.05)。结论:黄酒和红葡萄酒均能抑制MMP-2的表达和减轻动脉粥样硬化斑块的形成,这可能是它们对心血管系统保护作用的机制之一。     

Evaluation of mild hyperhomocysteinemia during the development of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient and normal mice

We focused on the effect of mild hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) on the development of atherosclerosis, using apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE^−/−) and normal mice. Mice received diets enriched in methionine with low or high levels of folate, B₁₂ and B₆ (diets B and C, respectively), and diet only with low levels of folate, B₁₂ and B₆ (diets D), to induce mild HHcy. Normal mice fed on diets B, C and D presented mild HHcy, but they did not develop atherosclerotic lesions after 24 weeks of diet. In addition, increased endoplasmic reticulum stress was present in normal mice fed on diet B, compared to others groups. ApoE^−/− mice fed on diet B for 20 weeks presented the greatest atherosclerotic lesion area at the aortic sinus than other groups. These results suggest that the methionine may have a toxic effect on endothelium, and the B-vitamins addition on diet may have a protective effect in the long term, despite the increase on homocysteine levels. Mild HHcy accelerated the development of atherosclerosis in apoE^−/− mice, and supplementation with B-vitamins is important for prevention of vascular disease, principally in the long term.     

吡格列酮对尿毒症apoE~(-/-)小鼠调节性T细胞和动脉粥样硬化的影响

目的:观察吡格列酮(Pio)对尿毒症apoE基因敲除(apoE-/-)小鼠调节性T细胞(Treg)和动脉粥样硬化(atherosclerosis,AS)的影响。方法:ApoE-/-小鼠通过二步外科手术法建立尿毒症模型,对照组行假手术。造模后检测肾功能判断造模是否成功。实验动物分为:尿毒症Pio干预组(UP)、尿毒症安慰剂组(UO)及对照安慰剂组(CO),分别以Pio或安慰剂干预8周。干预结束后检测肾功能、血脂及血糖;血清转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)及干扰素γ(IFN-γ)浓度;脾脏Treg比率;主动脉叉状头/翅膀状螺旋转录因子(Foxp3)、细胞毒性T淋巴细胞抗原-4(CTLA-4)及IFN-γmRNA的表达;主动脉根部AS斑块相对面积。结果:手术后肾功能检测提示造模成功。干预结束后UO组与CO组相比,主动脉根部斑块相对面积显著增大;脾脏Treg比率下降;血清TGF-β1浓度降低、IFN-γ浓度升高;主动脉Foxp3及CTLA-4mRNA表达下调、IFN-γmRNA表达上调。Pio干预能逆转上述指标的改变,即UP组与UO组相比,主动脉根部斑块面积显著缩小;脾脏Treg比率上升;血清TGF-β1浓度升高、IFN-γ浓度降低;主动脉Foxp3及CTLA-4mRNA表达上调、IFN-γmRNA表达下调。结论:Pio可上调尿毒症apoE-/-鼠体内受损Treg的数量和功能,校正Treg/效应性T细胞(effectorTcell,Teff)失衡和延缓其主动脉加速发展的AS,而此作用与改善糖脂代谢无关。     

载脂蛋白E基因敲除小鼠动脉粥样硬化早期血管外膜成纤维细胞增殖活性增强

目的:探讨动脉外膜成纤维细胞增殖与早期动脉粥样硬化病灶形成的关系。方法:选择6周龄载脂蛋白E基因敲除[apoE(-/-)]小鼠和野生型C57BL/6小鼠,高脂喂养2、4和10周后,在各个时点处死动物前24 h经腹腔注射5-溴-2-脱氧尿嘧啶(BrdU),后选取升主动脉制备连续切片,通过HE染色观察组织形态学的变化,用免疫组化方法观察不同时点血管外膜及内膜BrdU的表达变化。体外培养高脂喂养2周的apoE(-/-)小鼠和C57BL/6小鼠动脉外膜成纤维细胞,通过BrdU掺入法测定细胞增殖活性,流式细胞术测定细胞周期。结果:体内实验发现apoE(-/-)小鼠高脂喂养2周后,在无可见内膜病灶形成之前,首先在主动脉外膜发现BrdU标记的阳性细胞,之后才在损伤内膜观察到BrdU标记细胞。而C57BL/6小鼠在任何时点都未检测到BrdU标记的细胞。体外实验观察到apoE(-/-)小鼠血管外膜成纤维细胞BrdU标记的细胞数显著多于C57BL/6小鼠(P0.01),apoE(-/-)小鼠血管外膜成纤维细胞S期及G2/M期所占百分比明显高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:血管外膜成纤维细胞增殖可能参与早期动脉粥样硬化病灶形成。     

Cytokine network and T cell immunity in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall where both innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to disease initiation and progression. Recent studies established that subtypes of T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), actively involved in the maintenance of immunological tolerance, inhibit the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Here, we review the current knowledge on the Treg response and the major cytokines involved in its modulation in the context of atherosclerosis.     

扫描电镜观察脂欣康胶囊对载脂蛋白E基因敲除小鼠动脉粥样硬化主动脉内膜超微结构的影响

为观察扫描电镜下脂欣康胶囊对载脂蛋白E(ApoE)基因敲除小鼠动脉粥样硬化(As)主动脉内膜超微结构的影响，随机将6周龄ApoE基因敲除小鼠分为模型组与脂欣康组，以有相同遗传背景的同龄正常C57BL／6J小鼠为正常对照组。脂欣康组灌服脂欣康粉剂，模型组、正常对照组均灌服生理盐水。连续灌胃14周后，取新鲜的主动脉用2．5％戊二醛固定，扫描电镜观察并拍照。结果表明，模型组主动脉内膜病变显著且多样化，脂欣康组对主动脉内膜超微结构有良好的修复和保护作用。     

A clinically applicable adjuvant for an atherosclerosis vaccine in mice

Vaccination with MHC‐II‐restricted peptides from Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) with complete and incomplete Freund's adjuvant (CFA/IFA) is known to protect mice from atherosclerosis. This vaccination induces antigen‐specific IgG1 and IgG2c antibody responses and a robust CD4 T cell response in lymph nodes. However, CFA/IFA cannot be used in humans. To find a clinically applicable adjuvant, we tested the effect of vaccinating Apoe‐deficient mice with ApoB peptide P6 (TGAYSNASSTESASY). In a broad screening experiment, Addavax, a squalene‐based oil‐in‐water adjuvant similar to MF59, was the only adjuvant that showed similar efficacy as CFA/IFA. This was confirmed in a confirmation experiment for both the aortic arch and whole aorta analyzed by en face analysis after atherosclerotic lesion staining. Mechanistically, restimulated peritoneal cells from mice immunized with P6 in Addavax released significant amounts of IL‐10. Unlike P6 in CFA/IFA, vaccination with P6 in Addavax did not induce any detectable IgG1 or IgG2c antibodies to P6. These data suggest that squalene‐based adjuvants such as MF59 are good candidate adjuvants for developing a clinically effective atherosclerosis vaccine.     

阿托伐他汀对ApoE基因敲除小鼠动脉粥样硬化病变中TRPC5表达的影响

目的:观察载脂蛋白E基因敲除(Apo E-/-)小鼠动脉粥样硬化斑块形成过程中血管平滑肌细胞瞬时受体电位通道5(TRPC5)蛋白的表达变化,以及阿托伐他汀药物干预对TRPC5的影响并探讨其作用机制。方法:将40只6周龄雄性Apo E-/-小鼠随机分为模型组和他汀干预组,高脂饲料喂养建立动脉粥样硬化模型。他汀干预组给予阿托伐他汀(20 mg·kg-1·d-1)灌胃,模型组给予等量生理盐水灌胃。20只同龄雄性野生型C57BL/6J小鼠给予普通饲料喂养作为正常对照组。各组小鼠分别喂养至20和30周龄,分别取10只取血并处死。取主动脉根部做石蜡切片行HE染色形态学观察,测量并计算斑块相对面积;免疫组织化学染色检测各组小鼠TRPC5蛋白表达变化。取胸腹段主动脉行实时荧光定量PCR,检测主动脉中TRPC5通道蛋白mRNA的表达水平。结果:与模型组相比,阿托伐他汀干预组的血脂明显下降,斑块总面积明显减小,TRPC5蛋白水平及mRNA含量明显下降;30周龄模型组的TRPC5蛋白表达稍高于20周龄模型组,但差异无统计学意义;30周干预组较20周干预组相比,TRPC5水平有降低趋势且差异有统计学意义。结论:阿托伐他汀可能通过下调TRPC5蛋白表达从而延缓动脉粥样硬化进程。     

CCL27-transgenic mice show enhanced contact hypersensitivity to Th2, but not Th1 stimuli

CCL27 is one of the CC chemokines produced by epidermal keratinocytes and is suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. To clarify the contribution of CCL27 in skin inflammation, we created transgenic C57BL/6 mice that constitutively produce CCL27 in epidermal keratinocytes. These mice had high serum CCL27 levels and did not show any phenotypical change. Thus we stimulated these mice with various reagents by single and repeated application. Interestingly, only contact hypersensitivity to repeated application with fluorescein isothiocyanate was significantly enhanced in transgenic mice compared to non-transgenic mice. Under this condition, the numbers of inflammatory cells, CCR10-positive cells, CCR4-positive cells and cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen-positive cells were increased, and IL-4 mRNA expression was higher in the lesional skin of transgenic mice. Increased number of mast cells and higher serum IgE levels, which were similar to atopic dermatitis, were also observed. These results indicated that CCL27 modified inflammation by attracting CCR10-positive and CCR4-positive cells into the lesional skin, and may participate in the pathogenesis of Th2-shifted skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.     

丁苯酞对ApoE~(-/-)小鼠动脉粥样硬化及主动脉壁VCAM-1表达的影响

目的:观察丁苯酞对ApoE~(-/-)小鼠主动脉粥样斑块形成及血管细胞黏附分子(VCAM)-1表达影响,以探讨其抗动脉粥样硬化的可能机制,为其临床应用提供理论依据和指导意义。方法:90只6周龄雄性Apo~(E-/-)小鼠随机分为3组,高脂饲喂建立动脉粥样硬化模型,同时灌胃给予丁苯酞100及200 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)进行干预,模型组给予等量生理盐水灌胃。30只同龄雄性野生型C57BL/6J小鼠给予普通饲料喂养作为正常对照组。各组在18周龄及30周龄时分别处死15只动物。实验过程中记录各组小鼠体重变化及进食进水量。采用全自动生化仪检测18周龄及30周龄各组小鼠血脂水平;ELISA法检测血清ox-LDL、CRP、TNF-α及IL-6含量;取主动脉根部石蜡包埋切片行HE染色进行病理学检查,计算斑块相对面积;取胸主动脉进行real-time PCR检测VCAM-1的mRNA含量,同时用Western blot法检测VCAM-1的蛋白水平。结果:与对照组相比,模型组小鼠18周龄及30周龄时体重、血脂及炎症因子均显著升高,且均发生动脉粥样硬化斑块,且VCAM-1的mRNA及蛋白表达显著增加;丁苯酞对模型小鼠体重及进食进水量无影响;但丁苯酞100和200 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)剂量组血脂水平显著降低;血清ox-LDL、CRP、TNF-α及IL-6含量亦显著减少;主动脉根部粥样斑块面积显著减小;胸主动脉VCAM-1的mRNA水平及蛋白表达均显著下调。结论:丁苯酞可延缓高脂饮食诱导的Apo~(E-/-)小鼠动脉粥样硬化的发生,其机制与其同时降低血脂及抑制炎症的发生,进而降低主动脉VCAM-1有关。     

细胞钙离子转运蛋白兰尼碱受体3与ApoE基因敲除小鼠动脉粥样硬化斑块形成的关系

目的:观察细胞钙离子转运蛋白兰尼碱受体3(ryanodine receptor 3, RYR3)在动脉粥样硬化斑块形成过程中的改变,探讨两者的相关性。方法:选取6周龄雄性载脂蛋白E基因敲除(ApoE^-/-)小鼠及野生型C57BL/6J小鼠,高脂饲喂20、27和33周后,在各个时点处死动物取主动脉根部制作连续切片。(1)HE染色,观察组织形态学的变化,计算机图像分析仪测量斑块面积和血管管腔面积,计算校正斑块面积(斑块面积/血管管腔面积)。(2)免疫组织化学染色,计算机图像分析仪测定不同周龄小鼠细胞钙离子转运蛋白RYR3表达变化。结果:与同周龄对照组小鼠相比,ApoE^-/-小鼠体内RYR3表达显著减少(P<0.05),随着ApoE^-/-小鼠周龄的增加,RYR3的表达明显减少,且与斑块面积/血管管腔面积呈负相关(r＝-0.652,P<0.01)。结论:细胞钙离子转运蛋白RYR3参与动脉粥样硬化的病理过程,且与动脉粥样硬化斑块的形成密切相关。     

柚皮素通过调控AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1信号通路减轻糖尿病小鼠心肌损伤

目的:探讨柚皮素(naringenin,NAR)对糖尿病小鼠心肌的保护作用及对腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶(adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase,AMPK)/核因子E2相关因子2(nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2,Nrf2)/血红素加氧酶1(heme oxygenase 1,HO-1)信号通路的影响。方法:将50只C57BL/6小鼠随机分为正常组(N组)和模型组。模型组采用连续腹腔注射链脲佐菌素的方法建立1型糖尿病小鼠模型,成模后将其分为糖尿病组(D组)、低剂量NAR干预组(D+L-NAR组)、中等剂量NAR干预组(D+M-NAR组)和高剂量NAR干预组(D+H-NAR组),对干预组小鼠分别给予低、中、高剂量NAR灌胃,N组和D组给予与D+M-NAR组等体积的生理盐水灌胃。6周后处死小鼠,观察NAR对小鼠体重及血糖的影响;HE和Masson染色观察心脏形态学改变,测量心肌胶原容积分数(collagen volume fraction,CVF);免疫组化观察心脏组织中白细胞介素6(interleukin...     

阿托伐他汀对ApoE基因敲除小鼠血管外膜成纤维细胞表型的影响

目的:观察载脂蛋白E基因敲除(ApoE~(-/-))小鼠动脉粥样硬化斑块形成过程中血管外膜α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)的表达变化,同时探讨阿托伐他汀抗动脉粥样硬化的作用机制。方法:选择40只6周龄雄性ApoE~(-/-)小鼠随机分为模型组和阿托伐他汀干预组,给予高脂饲料喂养。阿托伐他汀干预组给予阿托伐他汀(20 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))灌胃,模型组给予等量生理盐水灌胃。20只同龄C57BL/6小鼠给予普通饲料喂养作为正常对照组。各组小鼠喂养至10、15周龄,在各个时点处死动物,取升主动脉制备连续切片,通过Movat染色进行形态学观察,测量并计算血管外膜厚度及斑块相对面积;天狼星红染色检测胶原的表达;免疫组织化学染色检测不同时点血管外膜α-SMA及TGF-β1的表达变化。用实时荧光定量PCR检测胸主动脉外膜中TGF-β1 mRNA的表达水平,通过Western blot法检测主动脉外膜中TGF-β1蛋白的表达。结果:与模型组相比,阿托伐他汀干预组的斑块相对面积明显减小,血管外膜厚度及胶原合成明显下降;免疫组化结果显示15周龄模型组血管外膜α-SMA及TGF-β1的表达高于10周龄模型组;与模型组相比,阿托伐他汀干预组血管外膜α-SMA及TGF-β1的表达明显下降。各时点模型组的TGF-β1 mRNA和蛋白的表达明显高于对照组,给药干预后TGF-β1 mRNA和蛋白的表达明显降低。15周龄模型组血管外膜TGF-β1 mRNA和蛋白的表达高于10周龄模型组。结论:阿托伐他汀可能通过下调TGF-β1的表达调控血管外膜成纤维细胞表型的改变,进而延缓ApoE~(-/-)小鼠动脉粥样硬化的进程。     

Immunoglobulin treatment reduces atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-/- low-density lipoprotein receptor-/- mice via the complement system

Atherosclerosis is associated with activation of the immune system. Intravenously applied normal polyclonal immunoglobulins (IVIg) have broad therapeutic applications in the treatment of autoimmune and systemic inflammatory diseases. Recently, IVIg have been shown to inhibit atherogenesis in experimental animal models. To investigate the role of the complement system in this process, we used third complement component-deficient (C3(-/-)) and control atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) double knock-out mice fed a normal diet. IVIg treatment reduced lesion fraction area in the aortic root of complement-sufficient mice whereas the lesion fraction area of C3(-/-) mice was not affected. Thus, complement activation plays a role in the anti-atherosclerotic effects of IVIg, possibly by C3-derived fragments generated through Fc-dependent complement activation.     

Allograft inflammatory factor-1 augments macrophage phagocytotic activity and accelerates the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice

Allograft inflammatory factor (AIF)-1, originally cloned from a rat heart allograft under chronic rejection, is induced in various inflammatory conditions including atherosclerosis. Using mouse AIF-1 transfected macrophages and AIF-1 transgenic (AIF-1 Tg) mice, we analyzed the influence of AIF-1 overexpression on macrophage phagocytosis and the development of atherosclerosis. The AIF-1 transfectants showed significantly increased phagocytosis of latex beads and E. coli BioParticles as well as incorporation of acetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) compared to those of vector controls. Concordant results were obtained with elicited peritoneal exudate cells from AIF-1 Tg mice. When AIF-1 Tg mice were crossbred with apolipoprotein E knockout mice (ApoE-/-), these AIF-1 Tg ApoE-/- mice developed significantly increased atherosclerotic lesions compared to ApoE-/- mice. These results suggest that enhanced AIF-1 expression leads to augmented incorporation of degenerated LDL by macrophages and promotes development of atherosclerotic vasculopathy.