Induction of macrophage inflammatory cytokines by Ox-LDL is ABCA1 dependent

Objective The current study aimed to evaluate whether the induction of macrophage inflammatory cytokines by Ox-LDL is related to the expression of ABCA1 pathway. Methods After THP1/PMA macrophages were transfected with ABCA1 antisense oligonucleotides (100 nmol/L) followed by treatment with Ox-LDL (30 mg/L), the expressions of ABCA1, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 mRNA and protein were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot or ELISA. Results Ox-LDL induced expressions of ABCA1, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 at both mRNA and protein levels from THP1/PMA macrophages. Transfection with ABCA1 antisense oligonucleotides reduced ABCA1 mRNA levels after 3 and 6 hours and protein levels after 12 and 24 hours. The expression of ICAM-1 and MCP-1 induced by Ox-LDL was also decreased after inhibition of ABCA1 protein expression by ABCA1 antisense oligonucleotide decreased. Conclusion The induction of macrophage inflammatory cytokines by Ox-LDL is partially dependent on expression of ABCA1. Our studies disclose new functions of ABCA1 in macrophages.