Lipid Variability Induces Endothelial Dysfunction by Increasing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Marie Rhee, Joonyub Lee, Eun Young Lee, Kun Ho Yoon, Seung Hwan Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the impact of fluctuating lipid levels on endothelial dysfunction. Methods: Human aortic and umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured under varying palmitic acid (PA) concentrations: 0, 50, and 100 µM, and in a variability group alternating between 0 and 100 µM PA every 8 hours for 48 hours. In the lipid variability group, cells were exposed to 100 µM PA during the final 8 hours before analysis. We assessed inflammation using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels with dichlorofluorescin diacetate assay; mitochondrial function through oxygen consumption rates via XF24 flux analyzer; and endothelial cell functionality via wound healing and cell adhesion assays. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Results: Variable PA levels significantly upregulated inflammatory genes and adhesion molecules (Il6, Mcp1, Icam, Vcam, E-selectin, iNos) at both transcriptomic and protein levels in human endothelial cells. Oscillating lipid levels reduced basal respiration, adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and maximal respiration, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. This lipid variability also elevated ROS levels, contributing to a chronic inflammatory state. Functionally, these changes impaired cell migration and increased monocyte adhesion, and induced endothelial apoptosis, evidenced by reduced cell viability, increased BAX, and decreased BCL2 expression. Conclusion: Lipid variability induce endothelial dysfunction by elevating inflammation and oxidative stress, providing mechanistic insights into how lipid variability increases cardiovascular risk.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)511-520
Number of pages10
JournalEndocrinology and Metabolism
Volume39
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Korean Endocrine Society.

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Dyslipidemias
  • Endothelial cells
  • Inflammation
  • Oxidative stress
  • Palmitic acid

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lipid Variability Induces Endothelial Dysfunction by Increasing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this