Activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase prevents foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. (27th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsou, C.‐Y.; Chen, C.‐Y.; Zhao, J.‐F.; Su, K.‐H.; Lee, H.‐T.; Lin, S.‐J.; Shyue, S.‐K.; Hsiao, S.‐H.; Lee, T.‐S.
• Is Part Of: Acta physiologica. Volume 210:Number 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 799
• Page End: 810
• Publication Date: 2013-12-27
• Subjects: Physiology -- Periodicals; Physiology -- Research -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1111/apha.12210
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-1708

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="apha12210-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="apha12210-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aims</title> <p>Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a key modulator in the regulation of vascular tone. However, its role and involving mechanism in cholesterol metabolism of macrophages and atherosclerosis remain unclear.</p> </sec> <sec id="apha12210-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Oil red O staining, Dil‐oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL)‐binding assay and cholesterol efflux assay were performed in biology of foam cells. Levels of cytokines or intracellular lipid were evaluated by ELISA or colorimetric kits. Expression of gene or protein was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR or Western blotting. Histopathology was examined by haematoxylin and eosin staining.</p> </sec> <sec id="apha12210-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Soluble guanylyl cyclase was expressed in macrophages of mouse atherosclerotic lesions. Treatment with 1H‐[1, 2, 4]oxadiazolo[4, 3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ, sGC inhibitor) exacerbated oxLDL‐induced cholesterol accumulation in macrophages. In contrast, 3‐(5′‐hydroxymethyl‐2′furyl)‐1‐benzyl indazole (YC‐1, sGC activator) attenuated the oxLDL‐induced cholesterol accumulation because of increased cholesterol efflux. Additionally, YC‐1 dose dependently increased the protein expression of ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) but did not alter that of scavenger receptor class A (SR‐A), CD36, SR‐BI or ABCG1. Moreover, YC‐1‐upregulated ABCA1 level depended on liver X receptor <italic>α</italic> (LXR<italic>α</italic>). Inhibition of the LXR<italic>α</italic>‐ABCA1 pathway by LXR<italic>α</italic> small interfering RNA (siRNA), ABCA1 neutralizing antibody or ABCA1 siRNA abolished the effect of YC‐1 on cholesterol accumulation and cholesterol efflux. <italic>In vivo</italic>, YC‐1 retarded the development of atherosclerosis, accompanied by reduced serum levels of cholesterol and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, in apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice.</p> </sec> <sec id="apha12210-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Activation of sGC by YC‐1 leads to LXR<italic>α</italic>‐dependent upregulation of ABCA1 in macrophages and may confer protection against atherosclerosis.</p> </sec> </abstract>