Interleukin 6 may be related to indoleamine 2,3-dioxygense function in M2 macrophages treated with small dense LDL

Parisa Hassanpour1, Abdollah Amirfarhangi2, Syed Reza Hosseini-Fard3

  • 1Iran University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, International Branch, Tehran, Iran.

Gene
|June 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Small dense LDL (sdLDL) reduces indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) function in M2 macrophages from atherosclerosis patients. This reduction is linked to increased interleukin-6 (IL6) secretion, suggesting a role in inflammatory responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Macrophages, particularly M2 macrophages, play a crucial role in resolving atherosclerosis by clearing debris from blood vessels.
  • Small dense LDL (sdLDL) is implicated in cardiovascular disease progression.
  • The interplay between sdLDL, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and interleukin-6 (IL6) in M2 macrophages is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of sdLDL on IDO and IL6 in M2 macrophages.
  • To compare these effects in M2 macrophages derived from healthy individuals versus patients with varying degrees of coronary artery stenosis.

Main Methods:

  • Monocytes were isolated from healthy subjects and patients undergoing coronary angiography (SVD, 2VD, 3VD).
  • Monocytes were differentiated into M2 macrophages.
  • IDO gene expression (RT-qPCR), IDO activity (colorimetry), and IL6 levels (ELISA) were measured.

Main Results:

  • IDO gene expression and activity were significantly reduced in M2 macrophages from patients with single- (SVD) and two-vessel disease (2VD) compared to healthy controls.
  • Reduced IDO function showed an inverse correlation with IL6 secretion.
  • These changes were observed following exposure to sdLDL.

Conclusions:

  • sdLDL may impair the beneficial functions of M2 macrophages in atherosclerosis.
  • The observed reduction in IDO function and concomitant increase in IL6 suggest a pro-inflammatory shift in M2 macrophages.
  • These findings highlight a potential mechanism linking sdLDL to exacerbated inflammatory responses in atherosclerosis.

Related Concept Videos