Apolipoprotein E-/- Mice Lacking Hemopexin Develop Increased Atherosclerosis via Mechanisms That Include Oxidative Stress and Altered Macrophage Function.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We previously reported that hemopexin (Hx), a heme scavenger, is significantly increased and associated with proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein under atherogenic conditions. Although it is established that Hx together with macrophages plays a role in mitigating oxidative damage, the role of Hx in the development of atherosclerosis is unknown.

Approach and results

We used Hx and apoE double-knockout mice (HxE(-/-)) to determine the role of Hx in the development of atherosclerosis. HxE(-/-) mice had significantly more free heme, reactive oxygen species, and proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein in their circulation, when compared with control apoE(-/-) mice. Atherosclerotic plaque area (apoE(-/-)=9.72±2.5×10(4) μm(2) and HxE(-/-)=27.23±3.6×10(4) μm(2)) and m

SUBMITTER: Mehta NU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4882257 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature