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Resistin is secreted from macrophages in atheromas and promotes atherosclerosis

Hye Seung Jung1, Ki-Ho Park, Young Min Cho

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 28 Yongon-Dong, Chongno-Gu, Seoul, 110-744, South Korea.

Cardiovascular Research
|November 8, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Macrophages in atherosclerotic aneurysms secrete resistin, a protein that impacts vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, potentially contributing to atherosclerosis development.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Resistin is a secreted polypeptide primarily produced by human monocytes/macrophages.
  • Elevated resistin levels have been linked to vascular endothelial dysfunction and smooth muscle cell proliferation.
  • The local secretion and vascular effects of resistin in human atheromas were previously unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether resistin is secreted by macrophages within human atheromas.
  • To determine the impact of resistin on human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect resistin and macrophage markers in human aortic aneurysms.
  • Resistin mRNA expression was compared in cultured monocytes/macrophages, VSMCs, and HUVECs.
  • HUVECs and VSMCs were treated with resistin to assess effects on plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, endothelin (ET)-1, and VSMC migration.

Main Results:

  • Resistin-positive staining co-localized with macrophage infiltration (CD68) in human aortic aneurysms, but not in normal arteries.
  • Resistin mRNA expression was significantly higher in macrophages compared to VSMCs and HUVECs.
  • Resistin treatment increased PAI-1 and ET-1 mRNA levels in HUVECs and enhanced VSMC migration.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages infiltrating atherosclerotic lesions secrete resistin locally.
  • Resistin influences endothelial cell function and promotes vascular smooth muscle cell migration.
  • Macrophage-derived resistin may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

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