Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages
06:47

Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages

Published on: May 24, 2019

7.8K

Role of simvastatin and RORα activity in the macrophage apoptotic pathway

Neslihan Çoban1, Çağrı Güleç, Bilge Özsait Selçuk

  • 1Department of Genetics, Institute for Experimental Medicine, İstanbul University; İstanbul-Turkey. neslic@istanbul.edu.tr.

Anatolian Journal of Cardiology
|June 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Simvastatin may induce macrophage apoptosis, a key factor in atherosclerosis. Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) ligands might partially counteract this effect, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a leading global cause of mortality, characterized by chronic inflammation and plaque development.
  • Macrophages are central players in atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression.
  • The role of apoptosis in atherosclerosis remains complex and debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of simvastatin and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) ligands on macrophage apoptosis.
  • To explore the potential modulatory role of RORα in simvastatin-induced apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to assess RORα binding to apoptotic gene promoters in THP-1 cells.
  • Treatment of THP-1 macrophage cells with simvastatin and RORα ligands (CPG52608, SR1001).
  • Analysis of cell viability and count following treatments.

Main Results:

  • Simvastatin and RORα ligands tended to reduce THP-1 macrophage viability.
  • Simvastatin significantly decreased cell viability and count (p<0.05).
  • RORα ligands partially attenuated the negative effects of simvastatin on cell viability.

Conclusions:

  • Simvastatin may induce apoptosis in macrophages, a process potentially influenced by RORα.
  • The RORα ligand SR1001 may modulate simvastatin-induced macrophage apoptosis.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate RORα's precise role in regulating apoptotic pathways in this context.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death08:26

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death

Published on: October 31, 2017

9.7K
Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death09:18

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death

Published on: December 27, 2016

9.2K

Related Concept Videos

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
9.0K
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
5.4K
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
1.6K
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...
1.7K
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
62.8K
Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size...
16.2K