Open AccessApolipoprotein A‐I Modulates Atherosclerosis Through Lymphatic Vessel‐Dependent Mechanisms in Mice
Author(s) -
Milasan Andreea,
Jean Gabriel,
Dallaire François,
Tardif JeanClaude,
Merhi Yahye,
SorciThomas Mary,
Martel Catherine
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of the american heart association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.494
H-Index - 85
ISSN - 2047-9980
DOI - 10.1161/jaha.117.006892
Subject(s) - lymphatic system , lymphatic vessel , medicine , platelet , ex vivo , apolipoprotein b , lymphatic endothelium , ldl receptor , immune system , endothelial dysfunction , endothelium , lipoprotein , endothelial stem cell , cholesterol , in vivo , pathology , immunology , cancer research , biology , cancer , in vitro , metastasis , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology
Background Subcutaneously injected lipid‐free apoA‐I (apolipoprotein A‐I) reduces accumulation of lipid and immune cells within the aortic root of hypercholesterolemic mice without increasing high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol concentrations. Lymphatic vessels are now recognized as prerequisite players in the modulation of cholesterol removal from the artery wall in experimental conditions of plaque regression, and particular attention has been brought to the role of the collecting lymphatic vessels in early atherosclerosis‐related lymphatic dysfunction. In the present study, we address whether and how preservation of collecting lymphatic function contributes to the protective effect of apoA‐I. Methods and Results Atherosclerotic Ldlr −/− mice treated with low‐dose lipid‐free apoA‐I showed enhanced lymphatic transport and abrogated collecting lymphatic vessel permeability in atherosclerotic Ldlr −/− mice when compared with albumin‐control mice. Treatment of human lymphatic endothelial cells with apoA‐I increased the adhesion of human platelets on lymphatic endothelial cells, in a bridge‐like manner, a mechanism that could strengthen endothelial cell–cell junctions and limit atherosclerosis‐associated collecting lymphatic vessel dysfunction. Experiments performed with blood platelets isolated from apoA‐I‐treated Ldlr −/− mice revealed that apoA‐I decreased ex vivo platelet aggregation. This suggests that in vivo apoA‐I treatment limits platelet thrombotic potential in blood while maintaining the platelet activity needed to sustain adequate lymphatic function. Conclusions Altogether, we bring forward a new pleiotropic role for apoA‐I in lymphatic function and unveil new potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.