Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

OBJECTIVE: The bulk of LDL entrapped in the arterial intima is modified by hydrolytic enzymes, leading to extensive cleavage of cholesterylesters and liberation of fatty acids. The latter induce apoptosis in endothelial cells but are far less cytotoxic towards macrophages. We have compared the cytotoxic effects of enzymatically modified LDL (E-LDL) on macrophages and polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN). METHODS AND RESULTS: E-LDL displayed toxicity towards PMN at far lower concentrations than towards monocyte-derived macrophages. Native or oxidized LDL had no effect. Free fatty acids contained in E-LDL were the cause of the observed toxicity, which could be mimicked by linoleic acid, oleic acid and arachidonic acid. E-LDL provoked Ca(2+) influx and activated PMN, as witnessed by the generation of superoxide anions and peroxidase secretion. Inhibition of either oxidative burst or calcium influx did not diminish the cytotoxicity of E-LDL. Similar to free linoleic acid, E-LDL lysed red blood cells and rapidly rendered cells permeable to propidium iodide. CONCLUSION: Possibly through their capacity to directly perturb cell membranes, free fatty acids contained in E-LDL exert potent cytotoxic effects on PMN. This may be one reason why PMN are not abundantly present in atherosclerotic lesions, and why PMN-depletion suppresses atherogenesis.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.04.004

Type

Journal article

Journal

Atherosclerosis

Publication Date

11/2009

Volume

207

Pages

116 - 122

Keywords

Adenosine Triphosphate, Animals, Arachidonic Acid, Atherosclerosis, Calcium, Cell Death, Cell Membrane Permeability, Cell Survival, Cells, Cultured, Fatty Acids, Nonesterified, Hemolysis, Humans, Hydrolysis, L-Lactate Dehydrogenase, Linoleic Acid, Lipoproteins, LDL, Macrophages, Neutrophils, Oleic Acid, Peptide Hydrolases, Peroxidase, Rabbits, Respiratory Burst, Sterol Esterase, Superoxides, Time Factors