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Published on: March 29, 2024
Effect of hyperlipidemia on Foxp3 expression in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice
Zhixiao Wang1, Shan Mao, Zhongqun Zhan
1Department of Cardiology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.
Background:
The transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) plays an essential role in the development and function of regulatory T cells.
Aims:
To examine the effect of hyperlipidemia on the expression of Foxp3 in mice.
Methods:
Twenty-four 8-week-old male apolipoprotein E (ApoE) mice on a C57BL/6 background were randomly divided into control group and high fat diet group, 12 mice per group. The blood-lipid levels, the number of Foxp3CD4 CD25 T cells, and the size of the atherosclerotic lesions in every group were measured. The expression levels of Foxp3 in different tissues were detected.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the level of plasma lipids was significantly higher in the high fat-fed group, but the number and function of Foxp3CD4 CD25 T cells, the levels of Foxp3 protein expression, and Foxp3 gene transcript in selected tissues were lower in the high fat-fed group.
Conclusion:
Hyperlipidemia inhibits the expression and function of Foxp3 in various immune organs, which may be one of the mechanisms by which hyperlipidemia aggravates the formation of atherosclerosis.
