The Dynamics of Circulating Monocyte Subsets and Intra-Plaque Proliferating Macrophages during the Development of

Jun-Xiang Liu1, Xiao Li2, Wen-Jie Ji1

  • 1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Target Organ Injury, Pingjin Hospital Heart Center, Logistics University of PAPF.

Insights

Atherosclerosis development in ApoE-/- mice shows elevated Ly6Chi monocytes and proliferative macrophages, with levels plateauing over time despite diet changes. Macrophage density remained stable throughout the study.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by plaque buildup in arteries.
  • Monocytes and macrophages play critical roles in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions.
  • Understanding the dynamic changes of these immune cells is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dynamic changes in monocyte subsets and macrophage populations during atherosclerosis development in ApoE-/- mice.
  • To correlate these cellular changes with lipid profiles and lesion progression.
  • To provide insights for novel therapeutic strategies targeting mononuclear phagocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Atherosclerosis was induced in 84 ApoE-/- mice fed either a western or chow diet.
  • Mice were euthanized at various time points (2-12 weeks) for analysis.
  • Flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and Oil Red O staining were used to assess monocyte subsets, macrophage density, and lesion area.

Main Results:

  • Ly6C(hi) circulating monocytes and proliferative macrophages in ApoE-/- mice peaked at 8 and 6 weeks, respectively, then plateaued.
  • Total plasma cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and aortic sinus lesion area were elevated in both diet groups, with higher levels in the western diet group.
  • Macrophage density within plaques did not significantly change with age in either diet group.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides a dynamic overview of Ly6C(hi) monocyte and macrophage changes during atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-/- mice.
  • Mononuclear phagocyte dynamics, particularly Ly6C(hi) monocytes and proliferative macrophages, exhibit distinct temporal patterns.
  • These findings are relevant for designing future therapeutic interventions targeting specific immune cell populations in atherosclerosis.

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