Mito-Tempo alleviates ox-LDL-provoked foam cell formation by regulating Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling

Our previous studies have demonstrated that Mito-Tempol (also known as 4-hydroxy-Tempo), a mitochondrial reactive oxygen species scavenger, alleviates oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-triggered foam cell formation. Given the effect of oxidative stress on activating the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which promotes foam cell formation, we aimed to explore whether Mito-Tempo inhibits ox-LDL-triggered foam cell formation by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome. The results revealed that Mito-Tempo re-activated Nrf2 and alleviated macrophage foam cell formation induced by ox-LDL, whereas the effects were reversed by ML385 (a specific Nrf2 inhibitor). Mito-Tempo restored the expression and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 by decreasing ox-LDL-induced ubiquitination. Furthermore, Mito-Tempo suppressed ox-LDL-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent pyroptosis, whereas the changes were blocked by ML385. Mito-Tempo decreased lipoprotein uptake by inhibiting CD36 expression and suppressed foam cell formation by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Taken together, Mito-Tempo exhibits potent anti-atherosclerotic effects by regulating Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling.