Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 1997;17:2225-2231

This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Jovinge, S.
Right arrow Articles by Nilsson, J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Jovinge, S.
Right arrow Articles by Nilsson, J.
(Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 1997;17:2225-2231.)
© 1997 American Heart Association, Inc.


Articles

DNA Fragmentation and Ultrastructural Changes of Degenerating Cells in Atherosclerotic Lesions and Smooth Muscle Cells Exposed to Oxidized LDL in Vitro

Stefan Jovinge; Milita Crisby; Johan Thyberg; ; Jan Nilsson

From the King Gustaf V Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Hospital (S.J., M.C., J.N.) and the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute (J.T.), Stockholm, Sweden.

Correspondence to Dr Stefan Jovinge, King Gustaf V Research Institute, Karolinska Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. Email Stefan.Jovinge{at}medks.ki.se


*    Abstract
up arrowTop
*Abstract
down arrowIntroduction
down arrowMethods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowReferences
 
Abstract Degeneration of smooth muscle cells in the fibrous cap of atherosclerotic lesions is an important factor in plaque rupture. Recent studies have suggested that many plaque cells are in a process of apoptosis as determined by positive deoxyribonucleotide-transferase-mediated dUTP end labeling. In this study, we demonstrate the existence of a colocalization between deoxyribonucleotide-transferase-mediated dUTP end labeling-positive smooth muscle cells and oxidized LDL immunoreactivity in human carotid plaques. Oxidized LDL was found to induce deoxyribonucleotide-transferase-mediated dUTP end labeling positivity in cultured human smooth muscle cells, but only in the presence of tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} and interferon-{gamma}. Electron microscopic analysis of cultured smooth muscle cells exposed to oxidized LDL in the absence of cytokines demonstrated cytoplasmic swelling and disruption of the plasma membrane, suggesting cell death by oncosis. Cells exposed to both oxidized LDL and cytokines were characterized by chromatin and cytoplasmic condensation compatible with cell death by apoptosis. These findings further support the notion that oxidized lipids play a role in plaque cell death.


Key Words: apoptosis • cell death • oxidized LDL • TNF{alpha}{gamma}IFN


*    Introduction
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
*Introduction
down arrowMethods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowReferences
 
The transformation of a stable fibromuscular atherosclerotic plaque into an unstable, complicated lesion susceptible to rupture is characterized by a degenerative process involving cell death and degradation of extracellular matrix.1 2 Although this process has a critical role in the etiology of acute ischemic events, little is still known regarding the factors responsible for its induction. Considerable interest has focused on the possible role of apoptosis in plaque cell death. Using TUNEL, some investigators have reported signs of DNA fragmentation in up to 40% of macrophage-enriched cell regions in atherosclerotic plaques.3 Other investigators have shown an increased tendency to undergo apoptosis in cells derived from human atheromas.4 The presence of nuclear DNA fragmentation has been interpreted as an indication of cell death by apoptosis, a conclusion that has been supported by the demonstration of 180 to 200 base pair fragments after electrophoretic separation of DNA from plaque SMC.4 However, TUNEL does not fully discriminate between cell death by apoptosis and oncosis (primary necrosis).5 The hypothesis that apoptosis is the major mechanism responsible for cell death in atherosclerotic plaque is also challenged by electron microscopic studies showing that although a large fraction of the cells display signs of degenerative changes, only a few express the nuclear and cytoplasmic condensation characteristic of apoptosis.6

LDL entrapped in the extracellular matrix of the vessel wall is known to become oxidatively modified in response to reactive oxygen intermediates and/or enzymes released by surrounding cells.7 8 9 This process leads to the generation of proinflammatory phospholipids10 and to the formation of foam cells through uptake of oxidized LDL by intimal macrophages and is believed to play a key role in the atherosclerotic process.11 12 13 14 Oxidized LDL is highly cytotoxic for cultured endothelial and SMC,15 16 suggesting that it may be involved also in plaque cell death. Cytokines released from activated macrophages represent another possible source of cytotoxic factors for plaque cells, and Geng and coworkers recently demonstrated that SMC simultaneously exposed to TNF{alpha} and {gamma}-IFN undergo cell death by apoptosis.17

The objective of the present study was to analyze the pattern of DNA fragmentation and degenerative ultrastructural changes in human cultured vascular SMC exposed to LDL or oxidized LDL. Studies were also performed to compare the localization between oxidized LDL and cells with DNA fragmentation in human atherosclerotic plaque.


*    Methods
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
*Methods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowReferences
 
Reagents
Recombinant TNF{alpha} and {gamma}IFN were purchased from R&D systems (Minneapolis, Minn). Low endotoxin bovine serum albumin and MTT were from Sigma Chemical (St Louis, Mo). Proteinase K was purchased from Boehringer Mannheim (Mannheim, Germany). All other cell culture reagents were obtained from GIBCO BRL (Paisley, Scotland).

Tissue Preparation
Carotid artery plaque tissue was obtained from 13 patients with symptomatic ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy. A distal section of a left internal mammary artery and parts from saphenous veins were obtained after coronary artery bypass procedures. After removal, all tissues were cut into three parts, the first immediately snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored -70°C, the second fixed in 4% formalin/50 mM butylated hydroxytoluene/0.2% EDTA, and the third fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate-HCl buffer (pH 7.3) with 0.05 M sucrose. For immunohistochemistry, the frozen specimens were cut in 14-µm-thick sections on a cryostat, mounted on superfrost glass slides, acetone-fixed, and stored at -20°C. Formalin-fixed specimens were embedded in paraffin.

TUNEL
The TUNEL procedure was performed using the In Situ Apoptosis Detection Kit (Apo-Tag, Oncor). SMC were fixed in methanol/acetone (3:1) for 10 minutes and then washed in PBS. Cells or cryostat sections were permeabilized by incubation with 0.1% Triton X-100 for 5 minutes on ice, incubated with TdT enzyme for 2 hours at 37°C, and then incubated with antidigoxigenin peroxidase solution for 30 minutes. The slides were then rinsed three times in PBS, exposed to diaminobenzidine substrate for 5 minutes and counterstained by hematoxylin.

Immunohistochemistry
The sections were rinsed for 2x5 minutes in PBS. Butylated hydroxytoluene (50 µM) was added to all solutions to prevent in vitro oxidation of LDL. Endogenous peroxidase was blocked with 0.3% H2O2 in methanol for 30 minutes, followed by washing for 20 minutes in PBS. The slides were then covered with normal horse serum for 20 minutes and washed in PBS for 10 minutes. Subsequently, the slides were incubated with the antibodies against oxidized LDL (NA 59, kindly provided by Dr J. Witztum, San Diego, Calif), {alpha}-actin (HHF-35 DAKO,1:50), TNF{alpha} (Boehringer Mannheim), and {gamma}INF (The Binding Site, UK) for 1 hour at room temperature and rinsed in PBS for 10 minutes. Control slides were incubated without primary antibody and with an antibody against glucagon as irrelevant primary antibody. The specimens were then incubated with biotinylated antimouse immunoglobulin G as the secondary antibody for 30 minutes, washed with PBS for 10 minutes, further stained with avidin-biotin for 30 minutes, and rinsed in PBS for 10 minutes. The slides were then exposed to alkaline phosphatase for 2 minutes, counterstained with hematoxylin-eosin for 20 minutes, and mounted. To study colocalization between cell-specific immunostaining and TUNEL reactivity, acetone-fixed sections were first stained by the TUNEL technique followed by immunohistochemical staining as described above.

A semiquantitative analysis of the immunohistochemistry staining was performed using a modified version of the technique described by Galis et al.18 Consistent positive staining covering more than 50% of the matrix and/or cells was recorded as number 3, consistent positive staining covering less than 50% of the matrix and/or cells was recorded as number 2, variable or weak staining of matrix and/or staining of occasional cells as number 1, and no staining as zero (0). Results are presented as the average score.

Isolation and Culture of SMC
SMC were isolated from the media of saphenous veins obtained at bypass surgery as described. Briefly, the specimens were cut into small pieces and allowed to attach to the surface of six-well multiplates by drying for 15 minutes. The explants were then cultivated in F-12 medium containing 10% newborn calf serum, 100 U/mL of penicillin, and 100 µg/mL of streptomycin at 37°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Cells began to migrate out from the explants within 1 to 2 weeks and reached confluence within another 2 weeks. Secondary cultures were established by trypsinization and cell specificity determined using immunohistochemical staining with the {alpha}-actin antibody. Experiments were performed in RPMI 1640 medium with 0.1% bovine serum albumin, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 10 µg/mL of streptomycin. For the MTT-method, RPMI without phenol red was used.

LDL Preparation and Oxidation
LDL was prepared as described by Redgrave and Carlsson19 using an EDTA concentration of 10 µM. EDTA was removed before oxidation and for control LDL before addition to cell cultures, by filtration on a Econo-Pac® 10 DG gel column (Bio Rad, Hercules, Calif). Protein content was determined according to Lowry et al.20 Oxidation of LDL (300 µg/mL) was done by incubation in 10 µM CuSO4/RPMI 1640 at 37°C for 18 hours and confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

MTT Assay of Cell Viability
Cell viability was determined using the MTT method, which measures the ability of mitochondrial dehydrogenases to form formazan.21 Briefly, cells were exposed to experimental substances in 96-well plates containing 100 µL of medium/well. After the appropriate incubation time, 10 µL of MTT dissolved in RPMI without phenol red (5 mg/mL) were added to each well for 4 hours at 37°C. The formed formazan crystals were solubilized by the addition of 100 µL of 0.1 M HCl/10% Triton X-100 in anhydrous isopropanol. The absorbance was measured at 570 nm.

Electron Microscopy
Primary fixation of the samples was done in 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate-HCl buffer (pH 7.3) with 0.05 M sucrose. After rinsing, the specimens were postfixed in 1% osmium tetroxide in cacodylate buffer with 0.5% potassium ferrocyanate for 2 hours at 4°C, dehydrated in graded ethanol (70 to 100%), stained with 2% uranyl acetate in ethanol for 30 minutes, and embedded in Spurr low viscosity epoxy resin. Thin sections were cut with a diamond knife using an LKB Ultratome IV, picked up on carbon-coated formvar films, stained with alkaline lead citrate, and finally examined in a JEOL EM 100CX operated at 60 kV.


*    Results
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
*Results
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowReferences
 
Localization of Oxidized LDL and TUNEL-Positive Cells in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques
We have previously reported presence of DNA fragmentation in 9 to 20% of cells present in human carotid plaques obtained at carotid endarterectomy.6 A similar frequency of TUNEL positivity was observed in the lesion analyzed in the present study. TUNEL-positive cells were found mainly in the fibrous cap region and in the core regions of the plaques. Immunoreactivity for oxidized LDL was present in most parts of the lesions but was particularly prominent in the superficial region and in the core of the plaques. TUNEL-positive cells were almost exclusively found in or very close to regions with strong immunoreactivity for oxidized LDL, whereas oxidized LDL also could be found in regions with no or little TUNEL positivity. The latter regions were frequently very cell poor (Fig. 1Down, A-C). One normal internal mammary artery and two saphenous veins were also stained for oxidized LDL but showed no positive immunostaining.



View larger version (110K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 1. Double staining with TUNEL (DAB; brown) and oxidized LDL (alkaline phosphatase: red) in the fibrous cap region close to the endothelium in a human carotid plaque containing both oxidized LDL immunoreactivity and TUNEL positive cells (A) (arrow indicates one TUNEL-positive cell and insert staining with an irrelevant control immunoglobulin G), in a deeper region no oxidized LDL immunoreactivity and no TUNEL-positive cells (B), and in a cell-poor region containing oxidized LDL immunoreactivity and adjacent TUNEL-positive cells in human carotid plaques (C) (arrow indicates TUNEL-positive cells). TUNEL staining is exclusively cellular, whereas most oxidized LDL immunoreactivity is associated with the extracellular matrix. TNF{alpha}-immunoreactive cells (alkaline phosphatase, red) in a fibrous cap region (D). E and F, parallel sections demonstrating colocalization between TUNEL-positive (E) and {alpha}-actin-positive (F) cells. (Original magnifications: A, B, E, and Fx200; Cx100; Dx400; and insert Ax100.)

Occasional clusters of TNF-{alpha}-expressing cells were found in the fibrous cap region. These did not show any clear colocalization with TUNEL-labeled cells or oxidized LDL immunoreactivity (Fig 1DUp). No staining for {gamma}IFN could be detected. Staining of parallel sections with antibodies against SMC {alpha}-actin suggested that most TUNEL-positive cells were SMC and that most of these were in contractile phenotype (Fig 1Up, E and F). A semiquantitative comparison of plaques with a low (<5%), intermediate (5 to 20%), and high (>20%) frequency of TUNEL-positive cells did not show any clear difference in the intensity of oxidized LDL, {alpha}-actin, or TNF-{alpha} immunostaining (Table 1Down).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 1. Oxidized LDL, {alpha}-Actin, and TNF{alpha} Immunoreactivity in Plaques With Low, Intermediate, and High Rate of TUNEL-Positive Cells

Effect of LDL and Oxidized LDL on Cell Viability and Fragmentation
Incubation of SMC in serum-free medium supplemented with 100 µg/mL of LDL increased the absorbance in the MTT assay, whereas the absorbance in the MTT assay in cells incubated with 100 µg/mL of oxidized LDL decreased with time (Fig 2Down). Addition of 20 ng/mL of TNF{alpha}, 40 U/mL of {gamma}IFN, or both did not influence the cell survival in serum-free medium (data not shown), in medium containing 100 µg/mL of LDL (data not shown), or in medium containing 100 µg/mL of oxidized LDL (Fig 3Down).



View larger version (14K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 2. The MTT-assay absorbance in SMC cultures treated with 100 µg/mL of LDL ({circ}) or 100 µg/mL of oxidized LDL ({bullet}) at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Values represent mean±SEM of three experiments.



View larger version (16K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 3. The MTT-assay absorbance in SMC cultures treated with 100 µg/mL of oxidized LDL alone ({bullet}), in combination with 20 ng/mL of TNF{alpha} ({blacksquare}), in combination with 400 U/mL of {gamma}IFN ({diamondsuit}), or in cell cultures treated with 100 µg/mL of oxidized LDL in combination with both 20 ng/mL of TNF{alpha} and 400 U/mL of {gamma}IFN ({blacktriangleup}). Values represent mean±SEM of three experiments.

Incubation of SMC in serum-free medium with or without addition of LDL (Fig 4ADown) or oxidized LDL (Fig 4BDown) in concentrations up to 100 µg/mL for 72 hours did not induce DNA fragmentation as determined by the TUNEL technique. A minor fraction of the cells incubated in medium containing {gamma}IFN, {gamma}IFN/TNF, or {gamma}IFN/TNF/LDL for 72 hours were TUNEL positive. In contrast, incubation of cells in the presence of oxidized LDL together with both {gamma}IFN and TNF was found to induce DNA fragmentation in 38.1%±8.2 of the cells (P<.05 as compared with controls), whereas cells exposed to oxidized LDL in the presence of only one of these cytokines showed no TUNEL positivity (Fig 4BDown).



View larger version (10K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 4. A, percentage of TUNEL+ cells at 24, 48, and 72 hours in cultures of SMC treated with 100 µg/mL of LDL alone ({circ}), in combination with 20 ng/mL of TNF{alpha} ({square}), in combination with 400 U/mL of gIFN ({diamond}), or in combination with both 20 ng/mL of TNF{alpha} and 400 U/mL of {gamma}IFN ({bigtriangleup}). B, percentage of TUNEL+ cells at 24, 48, and 72 hours in cell cultures treated with 100 µg/mL of oxidized LDL alone ({bullet}), in combination with 20 ng/mL of TNF{alpha} ({blacksquare}), in combination with 400 U/mL of gIFN ({diamondsuit}), or in combination with both 20 ng/mL of TNF{alpha} and 400 U/mL of {gamma}IFN ({blacktriangleup}). Values represent mean±SEM of four experiments (*P<.05).

Ultrastructure of SMC Exposed to LDL and Oxidized LDL in Vitro
Cultured control SMC were characterized by nuclei with smooth contours, evenly dispersed chromatin, and a thin peripheral rim of heterochromatin. The cytoplasm of the cells contained abundant Golgi complexes and rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and some lysosomes (Fig 5ADown). Exposure of cells to TNF{alpha} and/or {gamma}IFN resulted in some distention of the endoplasmic reticulum but was otherwise without effect on cell morphology. The general ultrastructure of the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles was not changed in cells incubated with 100 µg/mL of LDL for 72 hours. However, many cells contained cytoplasmic lipid droplets, and some lysosomes were filled with degraded cytoplasmic organelles and other dense material (Fig 5BDown). Culture in medium containing oxidized LDL was associated with significant disruption of morphological integrity. In cultures exposed to 50 µg/mL of oxidized LDL for 24 hours, mitochondrial swelling, disruption of the endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi membranes were seen in many cells. The chromatin appeared more condensed than in control cells (Fig 5CDown). Incubation of SMC with 100 µg/mL of oxidized LDL for 72 hours was associated with major breakdown of cell integrity, severe cytoplasmic swelling, disruption, and degeneration of the plasma membrane and other cell organelles. The chromatin was evenly dispersed without peripheral condensation (Fig 5DDown). Similar changes were also observed in many cells exposed to TNF{alpha} and {gamma}IFN in addition to oxidized LDL. However, this treatment was also found to induce condensation of chromatin and cytoplasmic organelles in many of the cells. Large vesicles containing cytoplasmic organelles and surrounded by an intact bilayer membrane were sometimes seen in the close vicinity of such cells (Fig 5EDown). Many of these cells were also in a state of secondary necrosis demonstrating more severe degenerative changes, including lack of membrane integrity (Fig 5FDown).



View larger version (139K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 5. Transmission electron micrographs of cultured human vascular SMC. A, smooth muscle cell grown in serum-free medium alone for 72 hours. The cytoplasm is dominated by synthetic organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. B, a smooth muscle cell exposed to 100 µg/mL of LDL for 72 hours. Frequent cytoplasmic lipid droplets and organelle-containing lysosomes can be observed. C, a smooth muscle cell exposed to 50 µg/mL oxidized LDL for 72 hours. Most cytoplasmic organelles are swollen and impossible to recognize. D, a smooth muscle cell exposed to 100 µg/mL of oxidized LDL. The integrity of the cytoplasmic organneles is completely disrupted, and the nuclear chromatin is evenly dispersed. E and F, SMC exposed to 100 µ/mL of oxidized LDL in combination with 20 ng/mL of TNF{alpha} and 400 U/mL of {gamma}IFN. Condensation of nuclear chromation and the cytoplasm (F) and secondary necrosis with loss of membrane integrity (F). Scale bar=1 µm. N, nucleus; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; GC, Golgi complex; L, lysosome; LD, lipid droplet.


*    Discussion
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
*Discussion
down arrowReferences
 
Degeneration of SMC in the fibrous cap of complicated lesions is an important factor in plaque rupture and therefore also in the clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis.1 2 Recent studies have shown that a large fraction of cells in human atherosclerotic lesions are in a state of DNA fragmentation and as a consequence are destined for degeneration and death.3 4 22 Several factors such as ischemia, inflammatory cytokines, and accumulation of toxic substances may contribute to the increased rate of cell death in atherosclerotic plaques. Oxidized LDL accumulates in atherosclerotic lesions10 23 and is highly toxic for cultured vascular cells,15 16 suggesting that it may be one of the most important factors involved in plaque cell death. The results of this study show that regions of lesions containing large amounts of oxidized LDL are either cell poor or contain frequent SMC with DNA fragmentation as assessed by TUNEL technique. Moreover, we demonstrate that oxidized LDL induce DNA fragmentation in cultured human SMC, but only in the presence of cytokines. Finally, we show that exposure of cultured human SMC to oxidized LDL results in ultrastructural changes similar to those observed in degenerating SMC in human atherosclerotic lesions. These observations add some support to the notion that oxidized lipids have a role in plaque cell death and destabilization. There was, however, no clear association between the extent of oxidized LDL accumulation in plaques (as assessed by immunohistochemistry) and the frequency of TUNEL-positive cells. There was also no clear colocalization between TNF{alpha} immunoreactivity and TUNEL-positive cells as would have been expected if the combined effect of oxidized LDL and cytokines was a key mechanism in induction of apoptosis. The latter findings argue against a major role for oxidized LDL and cytokines in plaque cell apoptosis.

Several angiographic trials have shown that lipid-lowering therapy inhibits progression of coronary atherosclerosis. However, a common finding in these studies is that a very modest increase in lumen diameter in response to treatment is associated with a dramatic decrease in the incidence of clinical events.24 25 26 This observation has led to the conclusion that the most important effect of lipid-lowering therapy is plaque stabilization rather than regression of plaque size. Since there is no evidence to suggest that native lipoprotein affects matrix integrity and plaque stability, these findings are also in good agreement with the hypothesis that oxidized lipids play an important role in plaque rupture.

The question of whether apoptosis is involved in plaque cell death has received increasing attention during the last few years. Using TUNEL to detect cells undergoing apoptotic cell death, some investigators have reported the presence of up to 40% positive cells in macrophage-enriched parts of atherosclerotic plaques.3 This report may represent an overestimation, as TUNEL has been found to detect cells in a late stage of primary necrosis (oncosis) and also to label matrix vesicles formed as a result of cell disintegration.27 Other studies suggest an apoptotic frequency of about 10% in atherosclerotic lesions, which is similar to that found in our study.22 28 The notion that apoptosis indeed occurs in atherosclerotic plaques is also strongly supported by the demonstration of ladders of multiples of 180 to 200 base pairs after agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA from plaque-derived cells.4 However, using the techniques available today, it is difficult to determine the relative importance of apoptosis versus oncosis in plaque cell death. Previous studies from our group have shown that although some degenerating SMC in human lesions have an ultrastructure characteristic of apoptosis, including chromatin and cytoplasmic condensation, most of the dying cells show chromatin dispersion, cytoplasmic swelling, and plasma membrane disruption characteristic of oncosis.6 The present study shows that SMC death in response to toxic concentrations of oxidized LDL alone does not result in TUNEL positivity or chromatin and cytoplasmic condensation characteristic of apoptosis. However, if SMC are exposed to oxidized LDL in the presence of TNF{alpha} and {gamma}IFN, a large fraction of the cells become TUNEL positive and demonstrate chromatin and cytoplasm condensation. Previous electron microscopic evaluation of human lesions demonstrated presence of both degenerating SMC characterized by chromatin and cytoplasmic condensation (presumably apoptotic) as well as swollen cells with dispersed chromatin and disintegrated cytoplasmic organelles and plasma membrane (presumably in oncosis).6 The latter cells were more common, indicating that cell death by oncosis is more frequent than cell death by apoptosis. Our findings suggest that oxidized LDL may be involved in both types of cell death and that cells exposed to oxidized lipids in the absence of an inflammatory process degenerate by oncosis whereas cells exposed simultaneously to oxidized LDL and multiple cytokines are directed toward apoptosis.

Geng and coworkers17 recently reported activation of apoptosis in human cultured SMC simultaneously exposed to TNF{alpha} and {gamma}IFN, an effect further stimulated by the addition of interleukin-1. In our study, the combination of TNF{alpha} and {gamma}IFN was not sufficient to induce apoptosis in the absence of oxidized LDL. The reason for this discrepancy is unclear but may involve differences in cell populations and/or culture conditions. However, both studies underline the importance of inflammatory cells in the regulation of SMC death and the mechanism by which it occurs.

The cytotoxic nature of oxidized LDL is well characterized and has been attributed mainly to its keto- and oxysterol content.16 In contrast, there is relatively little information concerning the mechanism of death in cells exposed to oxidized LDL. Several compounds in oxidized LDL have been shown to induce apoptosis. Nishio et al demonstrated that 7-ketocholesterol induces apoptosis in vascular SMC.29 Moreover, studies in our laboratory have shown that 25-hydroxycholesterol activates apoptosis in cultured human SMC and that this effect is potentiated by the addition of TNF{alpha} and {gamma}IFN. Accordingly, keto- and oxysterols may be involved in the apoptosis induced by oxidized LDL and cytokines found in the present study. Using light microscopic analysis of gallocyanin chrome-stained cells, Björkerud and Björkerud30 found apoptotic-like chromatin condensation after incubation of human SMC with oxidized LDL. This, however, was not accompanied by an increased frequency of TUNEL positivity. Blebbing and morphological changes compatible with apoptosis in the absence of detectable DNA fragmentation has previously been reported in other studies on cultured SMC.31 Oxidized LDL has also been found to induce apoptotic degeneration of lymphoblast cells,32 of the P388D1 macrophage cell-line,33 and in mouse peritoneal macrophages.34

Oxidized LDL is known to accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques. This is believed to occur as a result of oxidative modification of LDL entrapped by vessel wall proteoglycans in response to reactive oxygen intermediates and/or enzymes released by the cells of the vascular wall.7 8 9 During the early stages of atherosclerosis, the amount of oxidized LDL is likely to be low and to have a mainly proinflammatory effect.35 36 37 38 By this mechanism, LDL oxidation may play an important role in plaque growth. At more advanced stages of the disease, increased accumulation of oxidized LDL containing more severely modified lipids may generate a general toxic effect contributing to plaque degeneration and rupture.

In summary, the present study demonstrates that oxidized LDL induces degenerative changes in SMC that are similar to those observed in dying SMC in human atherosclerotic lesions. They also show that oxidized LDL may induce both oncosis and apoptosis in SMC depending on the presence of cytokines. The results further support the hypothesis that modified lipids have an important role in plaque degeneration.


*    Selected Abbreviations and Acronyms
 
{gamma}IFN = interferon-{gamma}
MTT = 3-(4,5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolin bromide
PBS = phosphate-buffered saline solution
SMC = smooth muscle cells
TNF{alpha} = tumor necrosis factor-{alpha}
TUNEL = terminal deoxytransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling


*    Acknowledgments
 
This study was supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council (8311 and 6537), the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, King Gustaf V 80th Birthday Fund, Prof Nanna Svartz' Fund, the Swedish Society of Medicine, the Sigurd & Elsa Goljes Foundation, and Förenade Liv Mutual Group Life Insurance Company in Stockholm. We thank Bao Wenjie for expert technical assistance.

Received December 3, 1996; accepted March 5, 1997.


*    References
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
*References
 
1. Shah PK, Falk E, Badimon JJ, Ferdinandez-Ortiz A, Mailhac A, Villareal-Levy G, Fallon JT, Regnström J, Fuster V. Human monocyte-derived macrophages induce collagen breakdown in fibrous caps of atherosclerotic plaques: potential role of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases and implications for plaque rupture. Circulation. 1995;12:1565-1569.

2. Falk E. Why do plaques rupture? Circulation. 1992:86:III:30-42.

3. Han DKM, Haudenschild CC, Hong MK, Tinkle BT, Leon MB, Liao G. Evidence for apoptosis in human atherogenesis and in a rat vascular injury model. Am J Pathol.. 1995;147:267-277.[Abstract]

4. Bennett MR, Evan GI, Schwartz SM. Apoptosis of human vascular smooth muscle cells derived from normal vessels and coronary atheroscletic plaques. J Clin Invest.. 1995;95:2266-2274.

5. Grasl-Kraupp B, Rutkay-Nedecky B, Koudelka H, Bukowska K, Bursch W, Schulte-Hermann R. In situ detection of fragmented DNA (TUNEL assay) fails to discriminate among apoptosis, necrosis and autolytic cell death: a cautionary note. Hepatology. 1995;21:1465-1468.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

6. Crisby M, Kallin B, Thyberg J, Zhivotovsky B, Orrinius S, Kostulas V, Nilsson J. Cell death in human atherosclerotic plaques involves both oncosis and apoptosis. Atherosclerosis. 1996; 1997;139:17-27.

7. Rosenfeld ME, Palinski W, Ylä-Herttuala S, Carew TE. Macrophages, endothelial cells, and lipoprotein oxidation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Tox Pathol.. 1990;18:560-571.

8. Hurt-Camejo E, Camejo G, Rosengren B, Lopez F, Ahlström C, Fager G, Bondjers G. Effect of arterial proteoglycans and glycoaminoglycans on low density lipoprotein oxidation and its uptake by human macrophages and arterial smooth muscle cells. Arterioscler Thromb.. 1992;12:569-583.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

9. Camejo G, Hurt-Camejo E, Rosengren B, Wiklund O, Lopez F, Bondjers G. Modification of copper-catalyzed oxidation of low density lipoprotein by proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. J Lipid Res.. 1991;32:1983-1991.[Abstract]

10. Steinbrecher UP, Zhang H, Lougheed M. Role of oxidatively modified LDL in atherosclerosis. Free Rad Biol Med.. 1990;9:155-168.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

11. Gerrity RG. The role of the monocyte in atherogenesis. I. Transition of blood borne monocytes into foam cells in fatty lesions. Am J Pathol.. 1981;103:181-190.[Abstract]

12. Steinberg D, Witztum JL. Lipoproteins and atherogenesis. JAMA.. 1990;264:3047-3052.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

13. Witztum JL, Steinberg D. Role of Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein in Atherogenesis. J Clin Invest.. 1991;88:1785-1792.

14. Parthasarathy S, Steinberg D, Witztum JL. The role of oxidized low-density lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Ann Rev Med.. 1992;43:219-225.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

15. Hessler JR, Robertson Jr AL, Chisolm GM III. LDL-induced cytotoxicity and its inhibition by HDL in human vascular smooth vascular muscle and endothelial cells in culture. Atherosclerosis. 1979;32:213-229.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

16. Hughes H, Mathews B, Lenz ML, Guyton JR. Cytotoxicity of oxidized LDL to porcine aortic smooth muscle cells is associated with the oxysterols 7-ketocholesterol and 7-hydroxycholesterol. Arterioscler Thromb.. 1994;14:1177-1185.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

17. Geng Y-J, Wu Q, Muszynski M, Hansson GK, Libby P. Apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by in vitro stimulation with interferon-{gamma}, tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} and interleukin-1ß. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol.. 1996;16:19-27.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

18. Galis ZS, Sukhova GK, Lark MW, Libby P. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases and matrix degrading activity in vulnerable regions of human atherosclerotic plaques. J Clin Invest.. 1994;94:2493-2503.

19. Redgrave TG, Carlsson LA. Chances in plasma very low density and low density lipoprotein content, composition, and size after a fatty meal in normo- and hypertriglyceridemic man. J Lipid Res.. 1979;20:217-229.[Abstract]

20. Lowry OH, Rosenbrough NJ, Farr AL, Randall RJ. Protein measurement with the folin phenol reagent. J Biol Chem.. 1951;193:265-274.[Free Full Text]

21. Mossman T. Rapid colorimetric assay for cellular growth and survival: application to proliferation and cytoxicity assay. J Immunol Methods. 1983;65:55-63.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

22. Geng Y-J, Libby P. Evidence for apoptosis in advanced human atheroma: colocalization with interleukin-1ß-converting-enzyme. Am J Pathol. 1995:147:251-266.

23. Ylä-Herttuala S, Palinski W, Rosenfeld ME, Parthasarathy S, Carew TE, Butler S, Witztum JL, Steinberg D. Evidence for the presence of oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein in atherosclerotic lesions of rabbit and man. J Clin Invest.. 1989;84:1086-1095.

24. Blankenhorn DH. Prevention or reversal of atherosclerosis: review of current evidence. Am J Cardiol.. 1989;63:38H-41H.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

25. Jukema JW, Bruschke AVG, van Boven AJ, Reiber JHC, Bal ET, Zwinderman AH, Jansen H, Boerma GJM, van Rappard FM, Lie KI. Effects of lipid lowering by Pravastatin on progression and regression of coronary artery disease in symptomatic men with normal to moderately elevated serum cholesterol levels. Circulation. 1995;91:2528-2540.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

26. Ericsson C-G, Hamsten A, Nilsson J, Grip L, Svane B, Faire Ud. Angiographic assessment of effects of bezafibrate on progression of coronary artery disease in young male postinfarction patients. Lancet. 1996;347:849-853.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

27. Kockx MM, Muhring J, Bortier H, De Mayer GRY, Jacob W. Biotin-digoxigenin-conjugated nucleotides bind to matrix vesicles in atherosclerotic plaques. Am J Pathol.. 1996;148:1771-1777.[Abstract]

28. Isner JM, Kearney M, Bortman S, Passeri J. Apoptosis in human atherosclerosis and restenosis. Circulation. 1995;91:2703-2711.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

29. Nishio E, Arimura S, Watanabe Y. Oxidized LDL induces apoptosis in cultured smooth cells: a possible role for 7-ketocholesterol. Biochem Biophys Res Commun.. 1996;223:413-418.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

30. Björkerud B, Björkerud S. Contrary effects of lightly and strongly oxidized LDL with potent promotion of growth versus apoptosis on arterial smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol.. 1996;16:416-424.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

31. Leszcynski D, Zhao YJ, Luokamaki M, Foegh ML. Apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells: protein kinase C and oncoprotein Bcl-2 are involved in regulation of apoptosis in non-transformed rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Am J Pathol.. 1994;145:1265-1270.[Abstract]

32. Escargueil-Blanc I, Salvayre R, Negre-Salvayre A. Necrosis and apoptosis induced by oxidized low density lipoproteins occur through two calcium-dependent pathways in lymphoblstoid cells. FASEB J.. 1994;8:1075-1080.[Abstract]

33. Reid VC, Hardwick SJ, Mitchinson MJ. Fragmentation of DNA in P388D1 macrophages exposed to oxidised low-density lipoprotein. FEBS Lett. 1993:332:218-220.

34. Reid VC, Mitchinson MJ, Skepper JN. Cytotoxicity of oxidized low-density lipoprotein to mouse peritoneal macrophages: an ultrastructural study. J Pathol.. 1993;171:321-328.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

35. Jovinge S, Ares MPS, Kallin B, and Nilsson J. Human monocyt/macrophages release tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} in response to low doses of oxidized low density lipoprotein. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol.. 1996;16:1573-1579.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

36. Frostegård J, Haegerstrand A, Gidlund M, Nilsson J. Biologically modified LDL increases the adhesive properties of endothelial cells. Atherosclerosis. 1991;90:119-126.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

37. Frosteård J, Wu R, Giscombe R, Holm G, Lefvert AK, Nilsson J. Induction of T-cell activation by oxidized low density lipoprotein. Arterioscler Thromb.. 1992;12:461-467.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

38. Cushing SD, Berliner JA, Valente AJ, Territo MC, Navab M, Parhami F, Gerrity R, Schwartz CJ, Fogelman AM. Minimally modified low density lipoprotein induces monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in human endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Procl Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1990;87:5134-5138.[Abstract/Free Full Text]




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
CirculationHome page
Y. Ishigaki, H. Katagiri, J. Gao, T. Yamada, J. Imai, K. Uno, Y. Hasegawa, K. Kaneko, T. Ogihara, H. Ishihara, et al.
Impact of Plasma Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Removal on Atherosclerosis
Circulation, July 1, 2008; 118(1): 75 - 83.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
JNMHome page
L. L. Johnson, L. Schofield, T. Donahay, N. Narula, and J. Narula
99mTc-Annexin V Imaging for In Vivo Detection of Atherosclerotic Lesions in Porcine Coronary Arteries
J. Nucl. Med., July 1, 2005; 46(7): 1186 - 1193.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Lipid Res.Home page
R. Asmis, J. G. Begley, J. Jelk, and W. V. Everson
Lipoprotein aggregation protects human monocyte-derived macrophages from OxLDL-induced cytotoxicity
J. Lipid Res., June 1, 2005; 46(6): 1124 - 1132.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
Y. Kashiwakura, M. Watanabe, N. Kusumi, K. Sumiyoshi, Y. Nasu, H. Yamada, T. Sawamura, H. Kumon, K. Takei, and H. Daida
Dynamin-2 Regulates Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Apoptosis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell
Circulation, November 23, 2004; 110(21): 3329 - 3334.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
L. Villacorta, A. V. Graca-Souza, R. Ricciarelli, J.-M. Zingg, and A. Azzi
{alpha}-Tocopherol Induces Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor and Antagonizes Tumor Necrosis Factor-{alpha}-Mediated Downregulation in Human Smooth Muscle Cells
Circ. Res., January 10, 2003; 92(1): 104 - 110.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
BloodHome page
N. M. Ananyeva, D. V. Kouiavskaia, M. Shima, and E. L. Saenko
Intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation contributes to thrombogenicity of atherosclerotic plaque
Blood, May 29, 2002; 99(12): 4475 - 4485.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Biol. Chem.Home page
M. S. Landis, H. V. Patel, and J. P. Capone
Oxysterol Activators of Liver X Receptor and 9-cis-Retinoic Acid Promote Sequential Steps in the Synthesis and Secretion of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha from Human Monocytes
J. Biol. Chem., February 8, 2002; 277(7): 4713 - 4721.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Cardiovasc ResHome page
A. Matsuda, Y. Suzuki, K. Kondo, Y. Ikeda, and K. Umemura
Hypercholesterolemia induces regression in neointimal thickening due to apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells in the hamster endothelial injury model
Cardiovasc Res, February 1, 2002; 53(2): 512 - 523.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
R. Quarck, B. De Geest, D. Stengel, A. Mertens, M. Lox, G. Theilmeier, C. Michiels, M. Raes, H. Bult, D. Collen, et al.
Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer of Human Platelet-Activating Factor-Acetylhydrolase Prevents Injury-Induced Neointima Formation and Reduces Spontaneous Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Circulation, May 22, 2001; 103(20): 2495 - 2500.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
T.-S. Lee and L.-Y. Chau
Fas/Fas ligand-mediated death pathway is involved in oxLDL-induced apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, March 1, 2001; 280(3): C709 - C718.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Cardiovasc ResHome page
C.-C. Hsieh, M.-H. Yen, C.-H. Yen, and Y.-T. Lau
Oxidized low density lipoprotein induces apoptosis via generation of reactive oxygen species in vascular smooth muscle cells
Cardiovasc Res, January 1, 2001; 49(1): 135 - 145.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
Y. Okura, M. Brink, H. Itabe, K. J. Scheidegger, A. Kalangos, and P. Delafontaine
Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Is Associated With Apoptosis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques
Circulation, November 28, 2000; 102(22): 2680 - 2686.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
FASEB J.Home page
C. NAPOLI, O. QUEHENBERGER, F. DE NIGRIS, P. ABETE, C. K. GLASS, and W. PALINSKI
Mildly oxidized low density lipoprotein activates multiple apoptotic signaling pathways in human coronary cells
FASEB J, October 1, 2000; 14(13): 1996 - 2007.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
J. A. Hamilton, G. Whitty, and W. Jessup
Oxidized LDL Can Promote Human Monocyte Survival
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, October 1, 2000; 20 (10): 2329 - 2331.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Cardiovasc ResHome page
M. R. Mehrabi, H. Sinzinger, C. Ekmekcioglu, F. Tamaddon, K. Plesch, H. D Glogar, G. Maurer, T. Stefenelli, and I. M. Lang
Accumulation of oxidized LDL in human semilunar valves correlates with coronary atherosclerosis
Cardiovasc Res, March 1, 2000; 45(4): 874 - 882.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Physiol. Rev.Home page
G. J. Schroepfer Jr.
Oxysterols: Modulators of Cholesterol Metabolism and Other Processes
Physiol Rev, January 1, 2000; 80(1): 361 - 554.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
K. Hishikawa, B. S. Oemar, F. C. Tanner, T. Nakaki, T. Fujii, and T. F. Luscher
Overexpression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor Gene Induces Apoptosis in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells
Circulation, November 16, 1999; 100(20): 2108 - 2112.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
R. C. M. Siow, J. P. Richards, K. C. Pedley, D. S. Leake, and G. E. Mann
Vitamin C Protects Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Against Apoptosis Induced by Moderately Oxidized LDL Containing High Levels of Lipid Hydroperoxides
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, October 1, 1999; 19(10): 2387 - 2394.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Lipid Res.Home page
J. Alcouffe, S. Caspar-Bauguil, V. Garcia, R. Salvayre, M. Thomsen, and H. Benoist
Oxidized low density lipoproteins induce apoptosis in PHA-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in the Jurkat T-cell line
J. Lipid Res., July 1, 1999; 40(7): 1200 - 1210.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
Q. Jing, S.-M. Xin, Z.-J. Cheng, W.-B. Zhang, R. Zhang, Y.-W. Qin, and G. Pei
Activation of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase by Oxidized LDL in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells : Mediation via Pertussis Toxin–Sensitive G Proteins and Association With Oxidized LDL-Induced Cytotoxicity
Circ. Res., April 16, 1999; 84(7): 831 - 839.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Cardiovasc ResHome page
M. R Bennett
Apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells in vascular remodelling and atherosclerotic plaque rupture
Cardiovasc Res, February 1, 1999; 41(2): 361 - 368.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Cardiovasc ResHome page
E. Lutgens, E. D. de Muinck, P. J.E.H.M. Kitslaar, J. H.M. Tordoir, H. J.J. Wellens, and M. J.A.P. Daemen
Biphasic pattern of cell turnover characterizes the progression from fatty streaks to ruptured human atherosclerotic plaques
Cardiovasc Res, February 1, 1999; 41(2): 473 - 479.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
M. M. Kockx
Apoptosis in the Atherosclerotic Plaque : Quantitative and Qualitative Aspects
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, October 1, 1998; 18(10): 1519 - 1522.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Biol. Chem.Home page
K. J. Scheidegger, R. W. James, and P. Delafontaine
Differential Effects of Low Density Lipoproteins on Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 Receptor Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
J. Biol. Chem., August 25, 2000; 275(35): 26864 - 26869.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Jovinge, S.
Right arrow Articles by Nilsson, J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Jovinge, S.
Right arrow Articles by Nilsson, J.