Bone marrow-derived monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 receptor CCR2 is critical in angiotensin II-induced acceleration of atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation in hypercholesterolemic mice

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is implicated in atherogenesis by activating inflammatory responses in arterial wall cells. Ang II accelerates the atherosclerotic process in hyperlipidemic apoE-/- mice by recruiting and activating monocytes. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) controls monocyte-mediated inflammation through its receptor, CCR2. The roles of leukocyte-derived CCR2 in the Ang II-induced acceleration of the atherosclerotic process, however, are not known. We hypothesized that deficiency of leukocyte-derived CCR2 suppresses Ang II-induced atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: A bone marrow transplantation technique (BMT) was used to develop apoE-/- mice with and without deficiency of CCR2 in leukocytes (BMT-apoE-/-CCR2+/+ and BMT-apoE-/-CCR2-/- mice). Compared with BMT-apoE-/-CCR2+/+ mice, Ang II-induced increases in atherosclerosis plaque size and abdominal aortic aneurysm formation were suppressed in BMT-apoE-/-CCR2-/- mice. This suppression was associated with a marked decrease in monocyte-mediated inflammation and inflammatory cytokine expression. CONCLUSIONS: Leukocyte-derived CCR2 is critical in Ang II-induced atherosclerosis and abdominal aneurysm formation. The present data suggest that vascular inflammation mediated by CCR2 in leukocytes is a reasonable target of therapy for treatment of atherosclerosis.     

Interferon-beta attenuates angiotensin II-accelerated atherosclerosis and vascular remodeling in apolipoprotein E deficient mice

Atherosclerotic vascular disease is an inflammatory disease. Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) is an important immune modulator. However, the role of IFN-beta in atherosclerotic vascular disease is still not clear. The present study is designed to determine the effects of IFN-beta on atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation and proliferative vascular remodeling in apolipoprotein E (apoE) deficient mice. Six-month-old male apoE deficient mice fed a normal chow underwent ligation of the common left carotid artery, and were randomly assigned to receive either vehicle or angiotensin II (Ang II, 1.4 mg/kg daily) via a subcutaneously implanted osmotic infusion pump. The animals were further assigned to groups that were subjected to subcutaneous injection of vehicle or murine IFN-beta (10 MIU/kg, daily). Ang II increased atherosclerotic area in the non-ligated carotid artery and aortic arch, induced AAA, and exacerbated ligation-induced adventitial proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia characterized by smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and macrophage infiltration in the ligated carotid artery. Co-treatment with IFN-beta, had no effects by itself, significantly attenuated Ang II-accelerated increase in the areas of neointima, adventitia, SMC and macrophage in the ligated carotid artery and suppressed Ang II-exacerbated atherosclerosis, but did not affect Ang II-induced AAA formation. These data indicate that IFN-beta can play a prominent anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammation, and anti-proliferation role of vasculoprotection.     

Angiotensin II infusion induces site-specific intra-laminar hemorrhage in macrophage colony-stimulating factor-deficient mice

Angiotensin II (AngII) infusion promotes macrophage infiltration into the aortic wall resulting in several forms of vascular pathology. To determine the causal role of macrophages in these vascular diseases, we used osteopetrotic (op) male mice in which a natural mutation ablates production of M-CSF and results in severe depletion of monocytes. AngII infusion into apoE-/- mice resulted in increased atherosclerosis that was attenuated in op mice. AngII infusion in op mice unexpectedly produced grossly discernable thickening of the proximal thoracic aorta characterized by intra-mural hematoma. This pathology was also observed in apoE+/+ x op male mice, and therefore, independent of hyper-lipidemia. No perceptible structural properties of aortas from op mice could be discerned prior to AngII infusion. Regional effects in the contractile response to phenylephrine were noted in aortic rings with enhanced responsivity in the upper thoracic aortas of op mice compared to those from +/+ mice. No differences in contractile response were noted in aortic rings from the lower thorax. In conclusion, deficiency of M-CSF attenuated AngII-induced atherosclerosis but led to an unanticipated pathology of intra-laminar hemorrhage in the upper aortic regions.     

Role of uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase in abdominal aortic aneurysm formation: treatment with folic acid

It has been shown that endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling occurs in hypertension and atherosclerosis. However, its causal role in vascular pathogenesis has not been characterized previously. Here, we challenged eNOS preuncoupled hyperphenylalaninemia (hph)-1 mice (deficient in eNOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthetic enzyme GTPCHI) with angiotensin II (Ang II; 0.7 mg/kg per day, 14 days). Both wild-type and hph-1 groups developed hypertension similarly up to day 6 to 7. Thereafter, ≈14% of Ang II-infused (0.7 mg/kg per day) hph-1 mice (n=72) started to die suddenly of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Among the survivors, 65% developed AAA, resulting in a total morbidity rate of 79%. In contrast, none of the Ang II-infused wild-type mice died or developed AAA. Ang II progressively deteriorated eNOS uncoupling in hph-1 mice while augmenting tetrahydrobiopterin and nitric oxide (NO(·)) deficiencies. The abundance of the tetrahydrobiopterin salvage enzyme dihydrofolate reductase in the endothelium was decreased in hph-1 mice and further diminished by Ang II infusion. Intriguingly, restoration of dihydrofolate reductase expression by oral administration of folic acid or overexpression of dihydrofolate reductase completely prevented AAA formation in Ang II-infused hph-1 mice while attenuating progressive uncoupling of eNOS. Folic acid also attenuated vascular remodeling and inflammation characterized by medial elastin breakdown and augmented matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 9, as well as macrophage infiltration. In conclusion, these data innovatively suggest a causal role of eNOS uncoupling/tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency in AAA formation. Therefore, oral folic acid administration, endothelium-targeted dihydrofolate reductase gene therapy, and perhaps other countermeasures directed against eNOS uncoupling could be used as new therapeutics for AAA.     

Angiotensin II-induced hypertension in bradykinin B2 receptor knockout mice

The present study was performed to examine the role of endogenous bradykinin (BK) in the development of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension in mice. BK B2receptor knockout (B2R-/-) and wild-type (B2R+/+) mice (22to 26 g) were infused with either saline (SAL) or Ang II (40ng/min) via an osmotic minipump implanted intraperitoneally. On day 12after implantation, there was no difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP, tail-cuff plethysmography) between SAL/B2R+/+ and SAL/B2R-/- mice(128+/-5 versus 133+/-6 mm Hg, n=24/group). In contrast, SBP was higher on day 12 of infusion in Ang II/B2R-/- than in Ang II/B2R+/+ mice (173+/-6versus 156+/-5 mm Hg; P<0.05, n=27 and 28). Mean arterial pressure (MAP)was also higher in anesthetized Ang II/B2R-/- mice than in Ang II/B2R+/+mice (139+/-3 versus 124+/-3 mm Hg; P<0.05, n=16 and 14). Unlike Ang II, long-term norepinephrine (NE) infusion via an osmotic minipump (45ng/min) caused equivalent increases in SBP in B2R+/+ and B2R-/- mice measured on day 12 after implantation (151+/-4 versus 149+/-5 mm Hg, n=9and 8). MAP also did not differ on day 13 after implantation between NE/B2R+/+ and NE/B2R-/- mice (120+/-6 versus 122+/-4 mm Hg, n=9 and 8). There were no differences in glomerular filtration rate and urinary sodium excretion among the groups. However, renal plasma flow (RPF) was lower in Ang II/B2R-/- mice than in Ang II/B2R+/+ mice (2.34+/-0.06 versus 4.33+/-0.19 mL x min-1 x g-1; P<0.05). Acute inhibition of NO synthase (NOS)with nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (0.5 microg x g-1 x min-1) in SAL/B2+/+ and SAL/B2-/- mice caused equal increases in MAP (142+/-1 versus 145+/-1 mmHg) and decreases in RPF (2.06+/-0.06 versus 2.12+/-0.15 mL x min-1 x g-1).However, short-term NOS inhibition caused a greater increase in MAP of Ang II/B2R+/+ mice than of Ang II/B2R-/- mice, such that MAP after NOS inhibition in Ang II/B2R+/+ approached that of Ang II/B2R-/- mice (156+/-2versus 159+/-2 mm Hg). These changes were associated with a decrease in RPF in Ang II/B2R+/+ mice to values similar to those of Ang II/B2R-/- mice before NOS inhibition (2.12+/-0.09 versus 2.34+/-0.06 mL x min-1 x g-1). These results demonstrate that the kallikrein-kinin system selectively buffers the vasoconstrictor activity of Ang II. Furthermore, the enhanced susceptibility of B2R-/- mice to Ang II-induced hypertension and renal vasoconstriction is likely due to an impaired ability to release NO by endogenous kinins.     

Role of inflammation in the development of renal damage and dysfunction in angiotensin II-induced hypertension

Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension is associated with an inflammatory response that may contribute to the development of target organ damage. We tested the hypothesis that, in Ang II-induced hypertension, CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) activation plays an important role in the development of renal fibrosis, damage, and dysfunction by causing oxidative stress, macrophage infiltration, and cell proliferation. To test this hypothesis, we used CCR2 knockout mice (CCR2-/-). The natural ligand of CCR2 is monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, a chemokine important for macrophage recruitment and activation. CCR2-/- and age-matched wild-type (CCR2+/+) C57BL/6J mice were infused continuously with either Ang II (5.2 ng/10 g per minute) or vehicle via osmotic minipumps for 2 or 4 weeks. Ang II infusion caused similar increases in systolic blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy in both strains of mice. However, in CCR2-/- mice with Ang II-induced hypertension, oxidative stress, macrophage infiltration, albuminuria, and renal damage were significantly decreased, and glomerular filtration rate was significantly higher than in CCR2+/+ mice. We concluded that, in Ang II-induced hypertension, CCR2 activation plays an important role in the development of hypertensive nephropathy via increased oxidative stress and inflammation.     

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 plays a pivotal role in angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling

Multiple lines of evidence establish that angiotensin II (Ang II) induces not only hypertension but also directly contributes to cardiac diseases. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), one of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases, plays a key role in stress-induced cellular responses. However, nothing is known about the role of ASK1 in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in vivo. In this study, by using mice deficient in ASK1 (ASK1-/- mice), we investigated the role of ASK1 in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling induced by Ang II. Left ventricular (LV) ASK1 was activated by Ang II infusion in wild-type mice, which was mediated by angiotensin II type 1 receptor and superoxide. Although Ang II-induced hypertensive effect was comparable to wild-type and ASK1-/- mice, LV ASK1 activation by Ang II was not detectable in ASK1-/- mice, and p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation was lesser in ASK-/- mice than in wild-type mice. Elevation of blood pressure by continuous Ang II infusion was comparable between ASK1-/- and wild-type mice. However, Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling, including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cardiac hypertrophy-related mRNA upregulation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, interstitial fibrosis, coronary arterial remodeling, and collagen gene upregulation, was significantly attenuated in ASK1-/- mice compared with wild-type mice. These results provided the first in vivo evidence that ASK1 is the critical signaling molecule for Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling. Thus, ASK1 is proposed to be a potential therapeutic target for cardiac diseases.     

小鼠腹主动脉斑块模型建立的两种方法及超高场强磁共振成像的应用价值

目的 探讨建立腹主动脉粥样硬化斑块模型的方法及超高场强磁共振成像(MRI)在活体监测及量化小鼠腹主动脉粥样硬化斑块中的应用价值.方法 高脂饮食法小鼠腹主动脉粥样硬化斑块模型的建立及磁共振检测(高脂饮食组):选择3批10～12月龄apoE-/-小鼠13只、WT鼠3只高脂饮食喂养,分别于喂养前、喂养3个月、喂养6个月3个时期进行小鼠腹主动脉7.0 T磁共振活体扫描.血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)灌注法小鼠腹主动脉粥样硬化斑块模型的建立及磁共振检测(AngⅡ灌注组):选用10只6月龄apoE-/-小鼠,分为AngⅡ1000 ng·kg-1·min-1组3只、AngⅡ500 ng·kg-1·min-1组3只(以上两组均在背部埋置AngⅡ缓释泵14 d)和对照组为4只(埋置生理盐水缓释泵),分别于灌注前后行磁共振扫描,选用FLASH T1WI黑血及MSME-T2WI-PDWI双回波序列.高脂饮食组依次在各时期扫描后分别处死3、5、5只小鼠,AngⅡ灌注组于装泵后14 d行磁共振扫描,然后处死本组小鼠,取处死小鼠的肾动脉段腹主动脉制作病理切片,进行苏木素-伊红(HE)染色、Masson胶原纤维(CME)染色.每只小鼠选5～7层肾动脉段腹主动脉病理图像及多对比MRI图像,分别测量外腔面积(VOA)、内腔面积(LA),计算管肇面积(VWA)并进行MRI与病理测量结果的相关性分析.结果 两种方法建立的小鼠模型,其腹主动脉MRI与病理切片均可见不稳定斑块形成.高脂饮食组随着高脂饮食时间的延长,斑块进展,VWA不断增加,3个时期VWA方差分析F=29.94(P<0.05),斑块信号于PDWI、T2WI逐渐增加,且不均匀.高脂饮食组MRI测量的斑块面积与病理测量的斑块面积有较高的-致性(高脂喂养前、喂养3和6个月3个时期r值分别为0.84、0.95、0.90).病理切片中斑块成分与磁共振显示信号一致,均表现为脂质成分增加,纤维成分减少.AngⅡ1000 ng·kg-1·min-1组AngⅡ灌注后斑块面积与灌注前比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.017),分别为(2.65±0.48)mm2和(1.21±0.21)mm2,部分小鼠可见夹层动脉瘤形成.AngⅡ500 ng·kg-1·min-1组灌注后斑块面积也比灌注前有所进展,面积分别为(1.01±0.17)mm2和(0.85±0.11)mm2,MRI测量的斑块面积与病理测量的斑块面积有较高的一致性(r值为0.93).结论 AngⅡ灌注显著加快动脉粥样硬化进展并促进腹主动脉夹层动脉瘤形成,长期高脂饮食亦可形成晚期斑块.超高场强MRI多种序列黑血技术的综合应用能显示小鼠腹主动脉粥样硬化斑块的进展,其检测分析斑块大小结果与病理表现基本一致,对斑块成分的判定亦有一定价值.     

Effect of macrophage-derived mouse ApoE, human ApoE3-Leiden, and human ApoE2 (Arg158-->Cys) on cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice

The effect of monocyte/macrophage-derived wild-type mouse apolipoprotein E (apoE), human apoE3-Leiden, and human apoE2 on serum cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient (apoe-/-) mice was investigated by using bone marrow transplantation (BMT). At 4 weeks after BMT, murine apoe+/+ bone marrow reduced serum cholesterol levels by 87% in apoe-/- mice, whereas macrophage-derived human apoE3-Leiden and human apoE2 induced a maximal, transient reduction of 35% and 48%, respectively. At 4 months after BMT, atherosclerosis was 23-fold (P<0.001) reduced in apoe+/+-->apoe-/- mice, whereas no significant reduction in apoE3-Leiden.apoe-/--->apoe-/- and apoE2.apoe-/--->apoe-/- mice could be demonstrated. A highly significant decrease in serum cholesterol levels (78% reduction) and atherosclerosis (21-fold, P<0. 001) was found in apoE3-Leiden.apoe-/- animals expressing high levels of apoE in multiple tissues, whereas apoE2 was ineffective even at high concentrations. Furthermore, in contrast to apoE-deficient macrophages, cholesterol efflux from apoE2 or apoE3-Leiden macrophages was not impaired. In conclusion, apoE3-Leiden as well as apoE2 are less effective in reducing cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis in apoe-/- animals, compared with apoe+/+, with apoE2相似文献   

Orchidectomy, but not ovariectomy, regulates angiotensin II-induced vascular diseases in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

In humans, the incidence and severity of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are greater in males than in females. Chronic infusion of angiotensin II (AngII) into apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice promotes atherosclerosis and causes the formation of AAAs. Just as human males are more susceptible to developing AAAs, male mice are more susceptible to AngII-induced AAAs. We hypothesized that sex steroid hormones mediate gender differences in AngII-induced AAA through regulation of the renin-angiotensin system. To define the role of ovarian hormones, female apoE(-/-) mice were subjected to ovariectomy or sham operation and infused with AngII (1000 ng/kg x min) for 28 d. Ovariectomy had no effect on AngII-induced atherosclerosis, nor did it influence the incidence or severity of AAA. To define the role of testicular hormones, male apoE(-/-) mice were subjected to orchidectomy (orx) or sham operation and infused with AngII (1000 ng/kg x min) for 28 d. Orx resulted in a profound reduction in AAA incidence (85% vs. 18%, sham vs. orx; P = 0.003) to the level observed in females (25%). However, orx had no effect on AngII-induced reductions in plasma renin concentration or spleen AngII receptor density. In contrast, orx resulted in an increase in atherosclerosis (0.46 +/- 0.07 vs. 1.20 +/- 0.21 mm(2), sham vs. orx; P = 0.002). These results suggest that estrogen does not mediate gender differences in AngII-induced AAA. In contrast, androgens mediate a higher incidence of AngII- induced AAA, through mechanisms that do not appear to involve circulating renin or angiotensin receptor density.     

Deletion of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110gamma gene attenuates murine atherosclerosis

Inflammatory cell activation by chemokines requires intracellular signaling through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) and the PI3-kinase-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase Akt. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process driven by oxidatively modified (atherogenic) lipoproteins, chemokines, and other agonists that activate PI3-kinase. Here we show that macrophage PI3-kinase/Akt is activated by oxidized low-density lipoprotein, inflammatory chemokines, and angiotensin II. This activation is markedly reduced or absent in macrophages lacking p110gamma, the catalytic subunit of class Ib PI3-kinase. We further demonstrate activation of macrophage/foam cell PI3-kinase/Akt in atherosclerotic plaques from apolipoprotein E (apoE)-null mice, which manifest an aggressive form of atherosclerosis, whereas activation of PI3-kinase/Akt was undetectable in lesions from apoE-null mice lacking p110gamma despite the presence of class Ia PI3-kinase. Moreover, plaques were significantly smaller in apoE-/-p110gamma-/- mice than in apoE-/-p110gamma+/+ or apoE-/-p110gamma+/-mice at all ages studied. In marked contrast to the embryonic lethality seen in mice lacking class Ia PI3-kinase, germ-line deletion of p110gamma results in mice that exhibit normal viability, longevity, and fertility, with relatively well tolerated defects in innate immune and inflammatory responses that may play a role in diseases such as atherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Our results not only shed mechanistic light on inflammatory signaling during atherogenesis, but further identify p110gamma as a possible target for pharmacological intervention in the primary and secondary prevention of human atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.     

Role of extracellular superoxide dismutase in the mouse angiotensin slow pressor response

Low rates of angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion raise blood pressure, renal vascular resistance (RVR), NADPH oxidase activity, and superoxide. We tested the hypothesis that these effects are ameliorated by extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD). EC-SOD knockout (-/-) and wild type (+/+) mice were equipped with blood pressure telemeters and infused subcutaneously with Ang II (400 ng/kg per minute) or vehicle for 2 weeks. During vehicle infusion, EC-SOD -/- mice had significantly (P<0.05) higher MAP (+/+: 107+/-3 mm Hg versus -/-: 114+/-2 mm Hg; n=11 to 14), RVR, lipid peroxidation, renal cortical p22(phox) expression, and NADPH oxidase activity. Ang II infusion in EC-SOD +/+ mice significantly (P<0.05) increased MAP, RVR, p22(phox), NADPH oxidase activity, and lipid peroxidation. Ang II reduced SOD activity in plasma, aorta, and kidney accompanied by reduced renal EC-SOD expression. During Ang II infusion, both groups had similar values for MAP (+/+ Ang II: 125+/-3 versus -/- Ang II: 124+/-3 mmHg; P value not significant), RVR, NADPH oxidase activity, and lipid peroxidation. SOD activity in the kidneys of Ang II-infused mice was paradoxically higher in EC-SOD -/- mice (+/+: 8.8+/-1.2 U/mg protein(-1) versus -/-: 13.7+/-1.6 U/mg protein(-1); P<0.05) accompanied by a significant upregulation of mRNA and protein for Cu/Zn-SOD. In conclusion, EC-SOD protects normal mice against oxidative stress by attenuating renal p22(phox) expression, NADPH oxidase activation, and the accompanying renal vasoconstriction and hypertension. However, during an Ang II slow pressor response, renal EC-SOD expression is reduced and, in its absence, renal Cu/Zn-SOD is upregulated and may prevent excessive Ang II-induced renal oxidative stress, renal vasoconstriction, and hypertension.     

Absence of the protease inhibitor cystatin C in inflammatory cells results in larger plaque area in plaque regression of apoE-deficient mice

Matrix remodelling plays an important role in regulating plaque stability. Cystatin C, an inhibitor of the elastin-degrading cysteine proteases of the cathepsin family, is believed to be one of the key protease inhibitors in this process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of leukocyte-specific cystatin C expression under conditions that favour plaque regression. Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (apoE-/-) were given a Western-type diet 15 weeks prior transplantation with bone marrow from mice lacking cystatin C (cysC-/-) or cystatin C positive (cysC+/+) mice, in both cases apoE+/+ to create conditions favouring plaque regression. Transplantations were verified with PCR and Western analyses. Transplanted mice showed a 70% decrease in lipid content and reduction in plaque area compared to baseline ApoE-/- mice, demonstrating plaque regression due to apoE expression in macrophages. apoE-/- mice transplanted with cysC-/- bone marrow were then compared to mice transplanted with cysC+/+ bone marrow. Mice receiving cysC-/- bone marrow had a 30% larger plaque area, despite absence of significant differences in plasma cholesterol and lipid contents in plaque. Unexpectedly, mice transplanted with cystatin C-deficient bone marrow cells had increased elastin and collagen content in lesions. These observations suggest that leukocyte-specific expression of cystatin C is actively involved in matrix remodelling associated with plaque regression.     

PPARδ reduces abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in angiotensin II-infused apolipoprotein E-deficient mice by regulating extracellular matrix homeostasis and inflammatory responses

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by a localized degradation of connective tissue and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. This study examined whether the ligand-activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ can directly antagonize angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AAA formation in apoE-deficient mice.

Methods and results

Six-month-old male apoE-deficient mice were infused with Ang II and/or GW501516 (1.44 and 3.3 mg/kg/day, respectively) via osmotic mini-pumps. At day 28, aortic size was measured and tissues were collected for analyses. Co-infusion of GW501516, an activator of PPARδ, attenuated both the incidence and the severity of Ang II-induced AAA in apoE-deficient mice. Ligand-activated PPARδ also reduced infiltration of macrophages, resulting in significant decreases in chemotactic proteins such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The anti-inflammatory effect of GW501516 was associated with the suppression of apoptotic cell death, along with the inhibition of medial smooth muscle cell loss and focal elastin destruction, which leads to a medial dissection and aortic rupture. These ameliorative effects of GW501516 on Ang II-induced aneurysm were correlated with increased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as types I and III collagen, fibronectin, and elastin, along with the up-regulation of transforming growth factor-β1. In addition, ligand-activated PPARδ also increased the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and TIMP-3, while it strongly suppressed that of matrix metalloproteinase-2.

Conclusions

PPARδ attenuates Ang II-induced AAA formation by regulating ECM homeostasis and inflammatory responses, suggesting a novel strategy for the treatment of AAA.     

Critical role for CuZn-superoxide dismutase in preventing angiotensin II-induced endothelial dysfunction

The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the CuZn isoform of superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) protects against angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced endothelial dysfunction. Vascular responses of carotid arteries from control, CuZnSOD-deficient (CuZnSOD(+/-)), and CuZnSOD transgenic mice were examined in vitro after overnight incubation with either vehicle or Ang II (1 or 10 nmol/L). In control mice, acetylcholine produced concentration-dependent relaxation that was not affected by 1 nmol/L Ang II. In contrast, relaxation to acetylcholine in arteries from CuZnSOD+/- mice was markedly and selectively attenuated after incubation with 1 nmol/L Ang II (eg, 100 micromol/L acetylcholine produced 93+/-6% and 44+/-15% relaxation in vehicle- and Ang II-treated arteries, respectively). A higher concentration of Ang II (10 nmol/L) selectively impaired relaxation to acetylcholine in arteries from control mice (eg, 100 micromol/L acetylcholine produced 96+/-4% and 45+/-7% relaxation in vehicle- and Ang II-treated vessels, respectively). In contrast, 10 nmol/L Ang II had no effect on responses to acetylcholine in carotid arteries from CuZnSOD transgenic mice (or in control mice treated with the superoxide scavenger Tiron [1 mmol/L]). Superoxide levels in control mice were higher in aorta treated with Ang II than with vehicle and were markedly reduced in CuZnSOD transgenic mice. These findings provide the first direct evidence that CuZnSOD limits Ang II-mediated impairment of endothelial function and that loss of 1 copy of the CuZnSOD gene is sufficient to enhance Ang II-induced vascular dysfunction.     

Accelerated atherosclerosis in C57Bl/6 mice transplanted with ApoE-deficient bone marrow

Apolipoprotein E (apoE), a high affinity ligand for lipoprotein receptors, is synthesized by the liver and extrahepatic tissues, including cells of the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage. The role of monocyte/macrophage-derived apoE in atherogenesis was assessed by transplantation of apoE-deficient (apoE-/-) bone marrow into normolipidemic C57Bl/6 mice. No significant effect could be demonstrated on serum apoE levels in C57Bl/6 mice, transplanted with apoE-deficient bone marrow compared with control transplanted mice. Furthermore, no consistent effect on serum cholesteryl esters and triglyceride concentrations could be demonstrated on either a standard chow diet or a high cholesterol diet. Quantitative analysis of atherosclerosis in mice transplanted with apoE-deficient bone marrow, after two months on a high cholesterol diet, revealed a 4-fold increase in the atherosclerotic lesion area as compared to animals transplanted with apoE+/+ bone marrow. Analysis of the ability of apoE-deficient macrophages to release cholesterol after loading with acetylated LDL revealed that the release of cholesterol from apoE-deficient macrophages was impaired as compared to wild-type macrophages in the absence and the presence of specific cholesterol acceptors. In conclusion, apoE production by macrophages retards the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, possibly by mediating cholesterol efflux. We anticipate that pharmacological approaches to increase apoE synthesis and/or secretion by macrophages might be beneficial for the treatment of atherosclerosis.     

Plasma insulin levels predict atherosclerotic lesion burden in obese hyperlipidemic mice

Despite a clear association between obesity, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis in humans, to date, no animal models have been described in which insulin resistance is associated with atherosclerotic lesion burden. Using two mouse models of obesity-induced hyperlipidemia:leptin deficient (ob/ob) mice on an apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE-/-) or low density lipoprotein receptor deficient (LDLR-/-) background, we sought to determine metabolic parameters most closely associated with atherosclerotic lesion burden. Total plasma cholesterol (TC) levels in ob/ob;apoE-/- mice and ob/ob;LDLR-/- mice were indistinguishable (682+/-48 versus 663+/-16, respectively). Analysis of lipoprotein profiles showed that cholesterol was carried primarily on VLDL in the ob/ob;apoE-/- mice and on LDL in the ob/ob;LDLR-/- mice. Plasma triglycerides (TG) were 55% lower (P<0.001), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were 1.5-fold higher (P<0.01), and insulin levels were 1.7-fold higher (NS) in ob/ob;apoE-/- mice compared to ob/ob;LDLR-/- mice. Other parameters such as body weight, fat pad weight, and glucose levels were not different between the groups. Aortic sinus lesion area of ob/ob;apoE-/- mice was increased 3.2-fold above ob/ob;LDLR-/- mice (102,455+/-8565 microm2/section versus 31,750+/-4478 microm2/section, P<0.001). Lesions in ob/ob;apoE-/- mice were also more complex as evidenced by a 7.7-fold increase in collagen content (P<0.001). Atherosclerotic lesion area was positively correlated with body weight (P<0.005), NEFA (P=0.007), and insulin (P=0.002) levels in the ob/ob;LDLR-/- mice and with insulin (P=0.014) in the ob/ob;apoE-/- mice. In contrast, lesion burden was neither associated with TC and TG, nor with individual lipoprotein pools, in either animal model. These data provide a direct demonstration of the pathophysiologic relevance of hyperinsulinemia, NEFA, and increased body weight to atherosclerotic lesion formation.