CTRP9 alleviates foam cells apoptosis by enhancing cholesterol efflux

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cellular Metabolism
• Molecular Medicine

Background:

• Foam cell apoptosis contributes to atherosclerotic plaque instability.
• Understanding mechanisms to protect foam cells is crucial for cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective role of CTRP9 in foam cell apoptosis.
• To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in CTRP9's effects.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cell culture models of foam cells.
• Assessed apoptosis, cholesterol efflux, and protein expression (LXRα, CYP27A1, ABCG1, ABCA1, Wnt3a, β-catenin).
• Employed adenovirus overexpression and siRNA knockdown techniques.
• Investigated the involvement of the AdipoR1/AMPK signaling pathway.

Main Results:

• CTRP9 significantly alleviated foam cell apoptosis.
• CTRP9 enhanced cholesterol efflux by upregulating key proteins.
• CTRP9 inhibited Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling.
• The protective effects of CTRP9 were dependent on the AdipoR1/AMPK pathway.

Conclusions:

• CTRP9 demonstrates a protective role against foam cell apoptosis.
• CTRP9 promotes cholesterol efflux and inhibits pro-apoptotic Wnt3a signaling.
• The AdipoR1/AMPK pathway mediates the beneficial effects of CTRP9 in foam cells.