Liver X receptor activation stimulates iron export in human alternative macrophages.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

In atherosclerotic plaques, iron preferentially accumulates in macrophages where it can exert pro-oxidant activities.

Objective

The objective of this study was, first, to better characterize the iron distribution and metabolism in macrophage subpopulations in human atherosclerotic plaques and, second, to determine whether iron homeostasis is under the control of nuclear receptors, such as the liver X receptors (LXRs).

Methods and results

Here we report that iron depots accumulate in human atherosclerotic plaque areas enriched in CD68 and mannose receptor (MR)-positive (CD68(+)MR(+)) alternative M2 macrophages. In vitro IL-4 polarization of human monocytes into M2 macrophages also resulted in a gene expression profile and phenotype favoring iron accumulation.

SUBMITTER: Bories G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3989231 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature