Swiprosin-1 deficiency in macrophages alleviated atherogenesis

Macrophages play a vital role in the development of atherosclerosis. Previously, we have found that swiprosin-1 was abundantly expressed in macrophages. Here, we investigated the role of swiprosin-1 expressed in macrophages in atherogenesis. Bone marrow transplantation was performed from swiprosin-1-knockout (Swp(-/-)) mice and age-matched ApoE(-/-) mice. Atherosclerotic lesion, serum lipid, and interleukin-beta (IL-beta) levels were detected. In vitro, the peritoneal macrophages isolated from Swp(-/-) and wild-type mice were stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and the macrophage of foam degree, cellular lipid content, apoptosis, inflammatory factor, migration, and autophagy were determined. Our results showed that swiprosin-1 was mainly expressed in macrophages of atherosclerotic plaques in aorta from ApoE(-/-) mice fed with high-cholesterol diet (HCD). The expression of swiprosin-1 in the foaming of RAW264.7 macrophages gradually increased with the increase of the concentration and time stimulated with ox-LDL. Atherosclerotic plaques, accumulation of macrophages, collagen content, serum total cholesterol, LDL, and IL-beta levels were decreased in Swp(-)(/-) -> ApoE(-/-) mice compared with Swp(+/+) -> ApoE(-/-) mice fed with HCD for 16 weeks. The macrophage foam cell formation and cellular cholesterol accumulation were reduced, while the lipid uptake and efflux increased in macrophages isolated from Swp(-/-) compared to wild-type mice treated with ox-LDL. Swiprosin-1 deficiency in macrophages could inhibit apoptosis, inflammation, migration, and promote autophagy. Taken together, our results demonstrated that swiprosin-1 deficiency in macrophages could alleviate the development and progression of AS. The role of swiprosin-1 may provide a promising new target for ameliorating AS.

Automated summary

The study revealed that swiprosin-1 expressed in macrophages plays a key role in atherosclerosis development. Lack of swiprosin-1 can alleviate the progression of AS, making it a promising new therapeutic target.