A matrix of cholesterol crystals, but not cholesterol alone, primes human monocytes/macrophages for excessive endotoxin-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Role in atherosclerotic inflammation?

Klaus Bendtzen, Ole Christensen, Claus Henrik Nielsen, Palle Holmstrup

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

When exposed to small amounts of bacterial endotoxin, matrices of cholesterol crystals, but not cholesterol itself, primed human monocytes/macrophages to a highly augmented (>10-fold) production of inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-a. Priming also sensitized the cells, as 10-to 100-fold lower levels of endotoxin were needed for TNF-a production equivalent to that of unprimed cells. The pro-inflammatory effect was selective as endotoxin-induced production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines was unaffected while production of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 was diminished. These findings suggest that cholesterol matrix formation may play a pathogenic role in atherosclerotic inflammation, and they indicate a mechanism by which bacteria and/or bacterial products may play a role in processes leading to arteriosclerosis.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDiscovery Medicine
Volume17
Issue number96
Pages (from-to)309-12
Number of pages4
ISSN1539-6509
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2014

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