Published in:
Open Access 19-08-2021 | Arterial Occlusive Disease | Original Article
K-80003 Inhibition of Macrophage Apoptosis and Necrotic Core Development in Atherosclerotic Vulnerable Plaques
Published in: Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy | Issue 6/2022
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Purpose
Macrophage apoptosis coupled with a defective phagocytic clearance of the apoptotic cells promotes plaque necrosis in advanced atherosclerosis, which causes acute atherothrombotic vascular disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sulindac derivative K-80003 treatment was previously reported to dramatically attenuate atherosclerotic plaque progression and destabilization. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to determine the role of K-80003 on macrophage apoptosis and elucidate the underlying mechanism.
Methods
The mouse model of vulnerable carotid plaque in ApoE−/− mice was developed in vivo. Consequently, mice were randomly grouped into two study groups: the control group and the K-80003 group (30 mg/kg/day). Samples of carotid arteries were collected to determine atherosclerotic necrotic core area, cellular apoptosis, and oxidative stress. The effects of K-80003 on RAW264.7 macrophage apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagic flux were also examined in vitro.
Results
K-80003 significantly suppressed necrotic core formation and inhibited cellular apoptosis of vulnerable plaques. K-80003 can also inhibit 7-ketocholesterol-induced macrophage apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, K-80003 inhibited intraplaque cellular apoptosis mainly through the suppression of oxidative stress, which is a key cause of advanced lesional macrophage apoptosis. Mechanistically, K-80003 prevented 7-ketocholesterol-induced impairment of autophagic flux in macrophages, evidenced by the decreased LC3II and SQSTM1/p62 expression, GFP-RFP-LC3 cancellation upon K-80003 treatment.
Conclusion
Inhibition of macrophage apoptosis and necrotic core formation by autophagy-mediated reduction of oxidative stress is one mechanism of the suppression of plaque progression and destabilization by K-80003.