Angiopoietin-2 confers Atheroprotection in apoE-/- mice by inhibiting LDL oxidation via nitric oxide.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Atherosclerosis is promoted by a combination of hypercholesterolemia and vascular inflammation. The function of Angiopoietin (Ang)-2, a key regulator of angiogenesis, in the maintenance of large vessels is unknown. A single systemic administration of Ang-2 adenovirus (AdAng-2) to apoE(-/-) mice fed a Western diet significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size ( approximately 40%) and oxidized LDL and macrophage content of the plaques. These beneficial effects were abolished by the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In endothelial cells, endothelial NOS activation per se inhibited LDL oxidation and Ang-2 stimulated NO release in a Tie2-dependent manner to decrease LDL oxidation. These findings demonstrate a novel atheroprotective role for Ang-2 when endothelial cell function is compromised and suggest that growth factors, which stimulate NO release without inducing inflammation, could offer atheroprotection.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Ahmed, A; Fujisawa, T; Niu, X-L; Ahmad, S; Al-Ani, B; Chudasama, K; Abbas, A; Potluri, R; Bhandari, V; Findley, CM; Lam, GKW; Huang, J; Hewett, PW; Cudmore, M; Kontos, CD
Published Date
- June 19, 2009
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 104 / 12
Start / End Page
- 1333 - 1336
PubMed ID
- 19461044
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC2938017
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1524-4571
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.109.196154
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States