Effects of oxidized LDL in M2 macrophages. Implications in atherosclerosis

Author(s)

Fernanda Magalhães Gonçalves

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2017-09-12

Examining board members

Jorge Elias Kalil Filho; Beatriz Simonsen Stolf Carboni; Sonia Jancar Negro

• Advisor: Jorge Elias Kalil Filho

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease where two key characteristics are observed: lipid retention and inflammation. Understanding the interactions between the cells of the immune system and the lipoproteins involved in atherogenesis are urgent challenges, since cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Macrophages are crucial for the development of atherosclerotic plaques and for the inflammation in such lesions; These cells are also directly involved in unstable plaque rupture. Recently different populations of macrophages are being identified in atherosclerotic lesions. Although M2 macrophages has been identified, the function of these cells in atherosclerosis has not yet been defined. This project, we evaluated whether the addition of OxLDL alters the function of M2 macrophages. Results: 1- M2 macrophages remain viable after stimulation with the lipoproteins. 2- When evaluated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, Scavenger receptors, lectins and integrins on the surface of the cells. We observed that the addition of LDLn or OxLDL at 2 different concentrations (5 and 50 ?g / ml) for different time periods did not alter the expression of any of the evaluated markers. 3- The presence of LDL also did not alter other primordial function of M2 cells, phagocytosis. 4- Was observed that cultures stimulated with conditioned medium of OxLDL-stimulated M2 there was a significant inhibition of tubule formation by HUVECs. 5- We observed that in the presence of OxLDL-stimulated M2 cells conditioned médium an intense degradation of the matrix filaments occurred. 6- We evaluated the gene expression of matrix components, basement membrane, adhesion molecules, proteases and also protease inhibitors in these cells. Of the 96 evaluated genes, we observed that the addition of OxLDL significantly reduced the expression of 10 genes, among them: Actin-beta (ACTB), Collagen 6A2 (Col6A2), Integrin alfa 6 (ITGA6), Metaloproteinase 15 (MMP15), Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) and metallopeptidase 2 inhibitor (TIMP2). The addition of OxLDL significantly increased only the expression, thrombospondin-1 (TSP1). Addition of LDLn did not significantly alter the expression of any gene. 7- That OxLDL addition induced increased TSP1 expression and reduced collagen 6 expression, when compared to M2 macrophages without stimulation. Our results indicate that the addition of OxLDL alters several M2 macrophages functions in vitro. In particular we detected a significant inhibition in angiogenesis and also the secretion of mediators that induce the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The addition of OxLDL also inhibited the expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix stabilization. Our results suggest that this cell population may contribute to the perpetuation of the inflammatory process and tissue degradation observed in the lesion of the patients. Thus, we believe that this project contributed to better understand the participation of M2 in the pathology of atherosclerosis (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/20328-3 - Effects of oxidized LDL in macrophages M2: implications in atherosclerosis
• Grantee: Fernanda Magalhães Gonçalves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master