Vincent Braunersreuther

Ccr5 But Not Ccr1 Deficiency Reduces Development of Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice

Objective—Chemokines and their receptors are crucially involved in the development of atherosclerotic lesions by directing monocyte and T cell recruitment. The CC-chemokine receptors 1 (CCR1) and 5 (CCR5) expressed on these cells bind chemokines implicated in atherosclerosis, namely CCL5/RANTES. Although general blockade of CCL5 receptors reduces atherosclerosis, specific roles of CCR1 and CCR5 have not been unequivocally determined. Methods and Results—We provide two independent lines of investigation to dissect the effects of Ccr1 and Ccr5 deletion in apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE−/−) mice in a collaboration between Aachen/Germany and Geneva/Switzerland. Different strains of ApoE−/−Ccr5−/− mice, ApoE−/−Ccr1−/− mice or respective littermates, were fed a high-fat diet for 10 to 12 weeks. Plaque areas were quantified in the aortic roots and thoracoabdominal aortas. Concordantly, both laboratories found that lesion formation was reduced in ApoE−/−Ccr5−/− mice. Plaque quality and immune cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry or mRNA analysis. Whereas lesional macrophage content, aortic CD4, and Th1-related Tim3 expression were reduced, smooth muscle cell (SMC) content and expression of interleukin-10 in plaques, lesional SMCs, and splenocytes were elevated. Protection against lesion formation by Ccr5 deficiency was sustained over 22 weeks of high-fat diet or over 26 weeks of chow diet. Conversely, plaque area, T cell, and interferon-&ggr; content were increased in ApoE−/−Ccr1−/− mice. Conclusion—Genetic deletion of Ccr5 but not Ccr1 in ApoE−/− mice protects from diet-induced atherosclerosis, associated with a more stable plaque phenotype, reduced mononuclear cell infiltration, Th1-type immune responses, and increased interleukin-10 expression. This corroborates CCR5 as a promising therapeutic target.

The specific role of chemokines in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that represents the primary cause of heart disease and stroke. The recruitment of inflammatory cells in the intima is an essential step in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This process is triggered by local production of chemokines and chemokine receptors from activated endothelial cells and inflammatory cells. Various members of the CC chemokine family (e.g. MCP-1/CCL2) as well as CXC family (e.g. IL-8/CCL8, IP-10/CXCL10, SDF-1/CXCL12) and, more recently, fractalkine/CX3CL1 have been implicated in atherosclerosis development. Latest findings in animal models suggest that blocking chemokine/chemokine receptor interactions may serve as a suitable approach to treat atherosclerosis. Likewise, chemokine antagonists that inhibit leukocyte recruitment could particularly be interesting to treat inflammation in response to myocardial infarction, the major consequence of atherosclerosis.

Role of cytokines and chemokines in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a variety of histological conditions (ranging from liver steatosis and steatohepatitis, to fibrosis and hepatocarcinoma) that are characterized by an increased fat content within the liver. The accumulation/deposition of fat within the liver is essential for diagnosis of NAFLD and might be associated with alterations in the hepatic and systemic inflammatory state. Although it is still unclear if each histological entity represents a different disease or rather steps of the same disease, inflammatory processes in NAFLD might influence its pathophysiology and prognosis. In particular, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (the most inflamed condition in NAFLDs, which more frequently evolves towards chronic and serious liver diseases) is characterized by a marked activation of inflammatory cells and the upregulation of several soluble inflammatory mediators. Among several mediators, cytokines and chemokines might play a pivotal active role in NAFLD and are considered as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we will update evidence from both basic research and clinical studies on the potential role of cytokines and chemokines in the pathophysiology of NAFLD.

A Novel RANTES Antagonist Prevents Progression of Established Atherosclerotic Lesions in Mice

Background—Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that represents the primary cause of death through coronary disease and stroke. Chemokines are known to play a crucial role in this disease by recruiting inflammatory leukocytes to the endothelium. Recently, the chemokine variant [44AANA47]-RANTES was shown to impair inflammatory cell recruitment in vivo by interfering with heparin binding and oligomerization. Methods and Results—In this study we report that curative treatment with [44AANA47]-RANTES limits atherosclerotic plaque formation in LDLr−/− mice. This was associated with reduced infiltration of T cells and macrophages and reduced production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. By contrast, the relative smooth muscle cell and collagen content was increased, indicating a more stable plaque phenotype. In addition, we provide evidence for direct inhibition of leukocyte recruitment into aortic root lesions, attenuated leukocyte rolling and arrest in mesenteric vessels, as well as a reduced proinflammatory response following Con A stimulation in vitro. Conclusions—Interference with chemokine oligomerization and chemokine/heparin interactions is a powerful novel approach that inhibits progression of established atherosclerosis in mice. By inhibiting leukocyte recruitment into plaques, [44AANA47]-RANTES mediates a less inflammatory plaque phenotype and thus reduced systemic inflammatory state.

CB2 cannabinoid receptor activation is cardioprotective in a mouse model of ischemia/reperfusion

Preventive treatment with cannabinoid agonists has been reported to reduce the infarct size in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Here we investigated the possible cardioprotective effect of selective CB(2) cannabinoid receptor activation during ischemia. We performed left coronary artery ligature in C57Bl/6 mice for 30 min, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Five minutes before reperfusion, mice received intraperitoneal injection of the CB(2) selective agonist JWH-133 (20 mg/kg) or vehicle. Infarct size was assessed histologically and by cardiac troponin I (cTnI) ELISA. Immunohistochemical analysis of leukocyte infiltration, oxidative stress in situ quantification, real-time RT-PCR analysis of inflammatory mediators as well as western blots for kinase phosphorylation was also performed. In addition, we studied chemotaxis and integrin expression of human neutrophils in vitro. JWH-133 significantly reduced the infarct size (I/area at risk: 19.27%+/-1.91) as compared to vehicle-treated mice (31.77%+/-2.7). This was associated with a reduction of oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration in the infarcted myocardium, whereas activation of ERK 1/2 and STAT-3 was increased. Preinjection of PI3K inhibitor LY294002, MEK 1/2 inhibitor U0126 and JAK-2 inhibitor AG-490 partially abrogated the JWH-133 mediated infarct size reduction. No changes in cardiac CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL3, TNF-alpha, and ICAM-1 expression levels were found. Furthermore, JWH-133 inhibited the TNF-alpha induced chemotaxis and integrin CD18/CD11b (Mac-1) upregulation on human neutrophils. Our data suggest that JWH-133 administration during ischemia reduces the infarct size in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion through a direct cardioprotective activity on cardiomyocytes and neutrophils.

Anti-Apolipoprotein A-1 auto-antibodies are active mediators of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability

AIMS Anti-Apolipoprotein A-1 auto-antibodies (anti-ApoA-1 IgG) represent an emerging prognostic cardiovascular marker in patients with myocardial infarction or autoimmune diseases associated with high cardiovascular risk. The potential relationship between anti-ApoA-1 IgG and plaque vulnerability remains elusive. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of anti-ApoA-1 IgG in plaque vulnerability. METHODS AND RESULTS Potential relationship between anti-ApoA-1 IgG and features of cardiovascular vulnerability was explored both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, we investigated anti-ApoA-1 IgG in patients with severe carotid stenosis (n = 102) and in ApoE-/- mice infused with polyclonal anti-ApoA-1 IgG. In vitro, anti-ApoA-1 IgG effects were assessed on human primary macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils. Intraplaque collagen was decreased, while neutrophil and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9 content were increased in anti-ApoA-1 IgG-positive patients and anti-ApoA-1 IgG-treated mice when compared with corresponding controls. In mouse aortic roots (but not in abdominal aortas), treatment with anti-ApoA-1 IgG was associated with increased lesion size when compared with controls. In humans, serum anti-ApoA-1 IgG levels positively correlated with intraplaque macrophage, neutrophil, and MMP-9 content, and inversely with collagen. In vitro, anti-ApoA-1 IgG increased macrophage release of CCL2, CXCL8, and MMP-9, as well as neutrophil migration towards TNF-α or CXCL8. CONCLUSION These results suggest that anti-ApoA-1 IgG might be associated with increased atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability in humans and mice.

Chemokine CCL5/RANTES inhibition reduces myocardial reperfusion injury in atherosclerotic mice

Although beneficial for cardiomyocyte salvage and to limit myocardial damage and cardiac dysfunction, restoration of blood flow after prolonged ischemia exacerbates myocardial injuries. Several deleterious processes that contribute to cardiomyocyte death have been proposed, including massive release of reactive oxygen species, calcium overload and hypercontracture development or leukocyte infiltration within the damaged myocardium. Chemokines are known to enhance leukocyte diapedesis at inflammatory sites. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of chemokine CCL5/RANTES antagonism in an in vivo mouse model of ischemia and reperfusion. ApoE(-/-) mice were submitted to 30 min ischemia, by ligature of the left coronary artery, followed by 24 h reperfusion. Intraperitoneal injection of 10 mug of CCL5/RANTES antagonist [(44)AANA(47)]-RANTES, 5 min prior to reperfusion, reduced infarct size as well as Troponin I serum levels compared to PBS-treated mice. This beneficial effect of [(44)AANA(47)]-RANTES treatment was associated with reduced leukocyte infiltration into the reperfused myocardium, as well as decreased chemokines Ccl2/Mcp-1 and Ccl3/Mip-1alpha expression, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. However, mice deficient for the CCL5/RANTES receptor Ccr5 did not exhibit myocardium salvage in our model of ischemia-reperfusion. Furthermore, [(44)AANA(47)]-RANTES did not mediate cardioprotection in these ApoE(-/-) Ccr5(-/-) deficient mice, probably due to enhanced expression of compensatory chemokines. This study provides the first evidence that inhibition of CCL5/RANTES exerts cardioprotective effects during early myocardial reperfusion, through its anti-inflammatory properties. Our findings indicate that blocking chemokine receptor/ligand interactions might become a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce reperfusion injuries in patients during acute coronary syndromes.

CC chemokine CCL5 plays a central role impacting infarct size and post-infarction heart failure in mice

AIMS The chemokine CCL5 plays a critical role as neutrophil and macrophage activator do in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Thus, we investigated whether the treatment with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) to mouse CCL5 would provide therapeutic benefit when provoking a coronary-associated ischaemic event. METHODS AND RESULTS C57Bl/6 mice were submitted to left coronary artery permanent ligature. Then, various parameters were monitored for up to 21 days. At5 min and 3 days after coronary occlusion, mice received one intravenous injection of the rat anti-mouse CCL5 mAb or isotype IgG control. Infarct size was assessed histologically and by measuring serum cardiac troponin I levels. Kinetics of CCL5 tissue expression, leucocyte infiltration, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels, and collagen deposition were histologically assessed. Serum chemokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cardiac function and dimensions were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Chronic ischaemia increased both circulating and intracardiac levels of CCL5. At 24 h, treatment with the anti-CCL5 mAb resulted in a smaller infarct size and reduced circulating levels of chemokines. This effect was associated with reduction of neutrophil and macrophage infiltration within the infarcted myocardium. After 3 days of chronic ischaemia, anti-CCL5 mAb treatment reduced cardiac MMP-9. At 7 days, collagen content was significantly lower. At 21 days, neutralizing CCL5 improved mouse survival, cardiac myocyte size, and cardiac function. CONCLUSION Treatment with anti-CCL5 mAb significantly reduced both infarct size and post-infarction heart failure in a mouse model of chronic cardiac ischaemia. Cardioprotective effects were associated with the reduction of leucocyte recruitment within infarcted hearts.

The activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 reduces neutrophilic protease-mediated vulnerability in atherosclerotic plaques

AIMS The activation of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB(2))-mediated pathways might represent a promising anti-atherosclerotic treatment. Here, we investigated the expression of the endocannabinoid system in human carotid plaques and the impact of CB(2) pharmacological activation on markers of plaque vulnerability in vivo and in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS The study was conducted using all available residual human carotid tissues (upstream and downstream the blood flow) from our cohort of patients symptomatic (n = 13) or asymptomatic (n = 27) for ischaemic stroke. Intraplaque levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol, anandamide N-arachidonoylethanolamine, N-palmitoylethanolamine, N-oleoylethanolamine, and their degrading enzymes (fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase) were not different in human plaque portions. In the majority of human samples, CB(1) (both mRNA and protein levels) was undetectable. In downstream symptomatic plaques, CB(2) protein expression was reduced when compared with asymptomatic patients. In these portions, CB(2) levels were inversely correlated (r = -0.4008, P = 0.0170) with matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9 content and positively (r = 0.3997, P = 0.0174) with collagen. In mouse plaques, CB(2) co-localized with neutrophils and MMP-9. Treatment with the selective CB(2) agonist JWH-133 was associated with the reduction in MMP-9 content in aortic root and carotid plaques. In vitro, pre-incubation with JWH-133 reduced tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-mediated release of MMP-9. This effect was associated with the reduction in TNF-α-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in human neutrophils. CONCLUSION Cannabinoid receptor type 2 receptor is down-regulated in unstable human carotid plaques. Since CB(2) activation prevents neutrophil release of MMP-9 in vivo and in vitro, this treatment strategy might selectively reduce carotid vulnerability in humans.

Antagonistic regulation of macrophage phenotype by M-CSF and GM-CSF: Implication in atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES We characterized the transcriptional profiles of GM-CSF- (GM-MØ) and M-CSF-induced macrophages (M-MØ) and investigated in situ a subset of differentially expressed genes in human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS Using microarrays we identified a number of genes and biological processes differentially regulated in M-MØ vs GM-MØ. By varying in culture the M-CSF/GM-CSF ratio (0-10), a spectrum of macrophage phenotypes was explored by RT-QPCR. M-CSF (10 ng/ml) stimulated expression of several genes, including selenoprotein-1 (SEPP1), stabilin-1 (STAB1) and CD163 molecule-like-1 (CD163L1) which was inhibited by a low dose of GM-CSF (1 ng/ml); M-CSF inhibited the expression of pro-platelet basic protein (PPBP) induced by GM-CSF. Combining tissue microarrays/quantitative immunohistochemistry of human aortic lesions with RT-QPCR expression data either from human carotids vs mammary non-atherosclerotic arteries or from the apoE null mice normal and atherosclerotic aortas showed that, STAB1, SEPP1 and CD163L1 (M-CSF-sensitive genes) and PPBP (GM-CSF-sensitive gene) were expressed in both human arterial and apoE null mice atherosclerotic tissues. CONCLUSION A balance between M-CSF vs GM-CSF defines macrophage functional polarisation and may contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis.