Iron accumulation in macrophages promotes the formation of foam cells and development of atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Macrophages that accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques contribute to progression of the lesions to more advanced and complex plaques. Although iron deposition was found in human atherosclerotic plaques, clinical and pre-clinical studies showed controversial results. Several epidemiological studies did not show the positive correlation between a systemic iron status and an incidence of cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that the iron involvement occurs locally, rather than systemically.

Results

To determine the direct in vivo effect of iron accumulation in macrophages on the progression of atherosclerosis, we generated Apoe^-/- mice with a macrophage-specific ferroportin (Fpn1) deficiency (Apoe^-/-Fpn1^LysM/LysM). Fpn1 deficiency in m

SUBMITTER: Cai J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7691057 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature