Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

Atherosclerosis and its sequelae, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), are the most common diseases world-wide and the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in most countries. Our previous studies have shown that circulating secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) levels are increased in patients with CAD. However, the role of SFRP4 in the development of atherosclerosis remains unclear; thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SFRP4 on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis and explore the possible mecha-nisms. In this study, we found for the first time that administration of recombinant SFRP4 alleviates athero-sclerosis in ApoE-/-mice by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, the anti-atherosclerotic effect of SFRP4 was associated with inhibition of the Wnt/13-catenin signaling pathway, and Wnt1 overexpression abolished the anti-atherosclerotic effects of SFRP4. Taken together, our results highlight the potential beneficial effect of SFRP4 as a therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis and CAD.

Automated summary

Atherosclerosis and its sequelae are common diseases globally and the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in most countries. This study demonstrates the potential beneficial effect of recombinant SFRP4 in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby alleviating high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis.