Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
09:41

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Published on: October 17, 2017

Resistin-like molecule β is abundantly expressed in foam cells and is involved in atherosclerosis development

Akifumi Kushiyama1, Hideyuki Sakoda, Naohide Oue

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, The Institute for Adult Diseases, Asahi Life Foundation, Tokyo, Japan.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|May 25, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Resistin-like molecule beta (RELMβ) promotes atherosclerosis by increasing lipid accumulation and inflammation in macrophages. Its absence in knockout mice reduced plaque development, highlighting its role in the disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Resistin-like molecule beta (RELMβ) is a secretory protein involved in local immune responses.
  • Activated macrophages express RELMβ, suggesting a potential role in inflammatory diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of RELMβ in the development of atherosclerosis.
  • To determine RELMβ's contribution to lipid accumulation and inflammation in macrophages.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized RELMβ knockout and wild-type mice on an apolipoprotein E-deficient background.
  • Analyzed lipid accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions.
  • Assessed macrophage inflammatory response and cytokine secretion in vitro.
  • Investigated the effect of RELMβ stimulation on macrophage gene expression.

Main Results:

  • RELMβ is highly expressed in foam cells within human coronary artery atherosclerotic lesions.
  • RELMβ knockout mice showed reduced lipid accumulation in the aorta.
  • RELMβ deficiency impaired lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory pathways and cytokine secretion in macrophages.
  • RELMβ stimulation upregulated inflammatory cytokines and lipid transporters in macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • RELMβ is significantly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and contributes to disease progression.
  • RELMβ facilitates atherosclerosis by promoting lipid accumulation and inflammation in macrophages.
Keywords:
atherosclerosisinflammationmacrophage

More Related Videos

Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice09:06

Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice

Published on: February 20, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:22

Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...