Impact of Cholesterol Metabolism in Immune Cell Function and Atherosclerosis
Cholesterol, the most important sterol in mammals, helps maintain plasma membrane fluidity and is a precursor of bile acids, oxysterols, and steroid hormones. Cholesterol in the body is obtained from the diet or can be de novo synthetized. Cholesterol homeostasis is mainly regulated by the liver, where cholesterol is packed in lipoproteins for transport through a tightly regulated process. Changes in circulating lipoprotein cholesterol levels lead to atherosclerosis development, which is initiated by an accumulation of modified lipoproteins in the subendothelial space; this induces significant changes in immune cell differentiation and function. Beyond lesions, cholesterol levels also play …
Dissecting Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Is Aggravated by Genetic Inactivation of LIGHT (TNFSF14)
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), is a complex disorder characterized by vascular vessel wall remodeling. LIGHT (TNFSF14) is a proinflammatory cytokine associated with vascular disease. In the present study, the impact of genetic inactivation of Light was investigated in dissecting AAA induced by angiotensin II (AngII) in the Apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice. Studies in aortic human (ah) vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to study potential translation to human pathology were also performed. AngII-treated Apoe−/−Light−/− mice displayed increased abdominal aorta maximum diameter and AAA severity compared with Apoe−/− mice. Notably, reduced smooth muscle α-actin+ area and Acta2 and C…