Angiotensin‐(1–7) upregulates expression of adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter A1 and adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter G1 through the Mas receptor through the liver X receptor alpha signalling pathway in THP‐1 macrophages treated with angiotensin‐II

Adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 play crucial roles in reverse cholesterol transport, and have anti‐atherosclerosis effects, and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) can stimulate cholesterol efflux through these transporters. Angiotensin (Ang)‐(1–7) can protect endothelial cells, inhibit smooth muscle cell growth, ameliorate inflammation and exert anti‐atherosclerotic effects. In the present study, we attempted to clarify the effect of Ang‐(1–7) on expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1, and explored the role of LXRα in the regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in THP‐1 macrophages that had been incubated with angiotensin‐II (AngII). Ang‐(1–7) increased ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression in a concentration‐dependent manner at both the mRNA and protein levels, promoted cholesterol efflux, and decreased cholesterol content in THP‐1 macrophages treated with AngII. Furthermore, Ang‐(1–7) upregulated the expression of LXRα in a concentration‐dependent manner in these cells. LXRα small interfering RNA, as well as the Mas receptor antagonist A‐779, completely abolished these effects of Ang‐(1–7). In summary, Ang‐(1–7) upregulates ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression in THP‐1 macrophages treated with AngII through the Mas receptor, via the LXRα pathway. This novel insight into the molecular mechanism underlying Ang‐(1–7) and AngII interaction could prove useful for developing new strategies for treatment of cardiovascular diseases.