Adiponectin upregulates ABCA1 expression through liver X receptor alpha signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport and anti-atherosclerosis. Liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) can stimulate cholesterol efflux through ABCA1. It has been well known that adiponectin has cardiovascular protection. In this study, we attempted to clarify the effect of adiponectin on expression of ABCA1, and explored the role of LXRα in the regulation of ABCA1 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Our results showed that adiponectin increased ABCA1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Consequently, adiponectin promoted cholesterol efflux and decreased cholesterol content in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, adiponectin up-regulated the expression of LXRα in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner in RAW 264.7 macrophages. LXRα small interfering RNA completely abolished the promotion effects of adiponectin. In summary, adiponectin up-regulates ABCA1 expression via the LXRα pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages. This novel insight could prove useful for developing new treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.