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Role of lipoprotein-X in foam cell formation and rat mesangial cell proliferation
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Abstract:
1. In the present study, the effect of reconstituted lipoprotein-X (rLp-X) on lipid accumulation and foam cell formation in rat peritoneal macrophages was evaluated. Furthermore, the combined effect of rLp-X and macrophages on mesangial cell proliferation was examined. 2. Incubation of macrophages with rLp-X (177 and 387 nmol unesterified cholesterol (FC)/mL) resulted in an increase of cellular cholesterol (162%) and cholesteryl esters (223 to 245%) relative to control. 3. Oil Red O staining of macrophages treated with rLp-X revealed the presence of foam cells. 4. In conclusion, rLp-X had no effect on the proliferation of mesangial cells incubated in macrophage-conditioned medium.
Insights
Reconstituted lipoprotein-X (rLp-X) causes lipid accumulation and foam cell formation in macrophages. However, rLp-X does not affect mesangial cell proliferation when macrophages are present.
Area of Science:
- Lipid metabolism
- Cell biology
- Renal physiology
Background:
- Lipoprotein-X (Lp-X) is an abnormal lipoprotein found in certain pathological conditions.
- Its role in cellular lipid handling and its impact on kidney cells are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of reconstituted Lp-X (rLp-X) on lipid accumulation and foam cell formation in rat macrophages.
- To examine the combined effect of rLp-X and macrophages on mesangial cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Rat peritoneal macrophages were incubated with rLp-X.
- Lipid accumulation was quantified, and foam cell formation was assessed using Oil Red O staining.
- Mesangial cells were cultured in media conditioned by macrophages exposed to rLp-X.
Main Results:
- Incubation with rLp-X significantly increased cellular cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in macrophages.
- Oil Red O staining confirmed the formation of foam cells in rLp-X treated macrophages.
- rLp-X did not influence mesangial cell proliferation in the conditioned medium.
Conclusions:
- rLp-X induces lipid accumulation and foam cell formation in macrophages.
- rLp-X, in conjunction with macrophages, does not promote mesangial cell proliferation.