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Mouse macrophage paraoxonase 2 activity is increased whereas cellular paraoxonase 3 activity is decreased under

Mira Rosenblat1, Dragomir Draganov, Catherine E Watson

  • 1The Lipid Research Laboratory, Technion Faculty of Medicine, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences and Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.

Abstract

Insights

Paraoxonases (PONs) like PON2 are found in macrophages. Oxidative stress increases PON2 but decreases PON3 activity, suggesting a cellular defense against oxidative damage and foam cell formation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

  • Paraoxonases (PONs) are enzymes involved in protecting against oxidative stress.
  • Macrophages play a critical role in immune responses and are susceptible to oxidative damage.
  • Understanding PON expression in macrophages is crucial for investigating cellular defense mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of paraoxonases (PONs) in macrophages.
  • To determine the impact of oxidative stress on PON expression and activity within macrophages.

Main Methods:

  • Demonstration of PON2 and PON3 mRNA, protein, and activity in murine macrophages.
  • Analysis of PON expression and activity in human macrophages.
  • Exposure of macrophages to various oxidative stressors (e.g., buthionine sulfoximine, angiotensin II, 7-ketocholesterol, oxidized phosphatidylcholine).
  • Assessment of antioxidant supplementation effects in vivo.

Main Results:

  • PON2 and PON3 were expressed in murine macrophages; only PON2 in human macrophages.
  • Oxidative stress significantly increased PON2 mRNA and activity, while reducing PON3 activity.
  • Dietary antioxidants reversed the reduction in macrophage PON3 activity.
  • PON2 and PON3 reduced cellular lipid peroxides and inhibited LDL oxidation by macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophage PON2 expression increases under oxidative stress, potentially as a protective mechanism.
  • This PON2 upregulation may help reduce oxidative burden and attenuate macrophage foam cell formation.
  • PON3 activity is sensitive to oxidative stress, but can be restored by antioxidants.

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