Probiotic membrane vesicles ameliorate atherosclerotic plaques by promoting lipid efflux and polarization of foamy macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Foamy macrophages are pivotal contributors to the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques, posing a substantial threat to human health. Presently, there is no pharmaceutical intervention available to effectively eliminate foamy macrophages. In this study, we demonstrate that probiotic membrane vesicles (MVs) can induce atherosclerotic plaque regression by modulating foamy macrophages. MVs isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus exhibited a specific uptake by foamy macrophages. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, aortic oil red O staining, and hematoxylin and eosin staining showed reductions in the plaque area following MVs treatment. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis provided insights into how MVs exert their effects, revealing that they promote lipid efflux and

SUBMITTER: Jing B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12004830 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature