Inhibition of collar-induced carotid atherosclerosis by recombinant apoA-I cysteine mutants in apoE-deficient mice.

The previous studies in our laboratory revealed that seven cysteine mutants of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) have different structural features and biological activities in vitro and in vivo. To investigate the potential cardioprotective effects of apolipoprotein A-I(N74C) [apoA-I(N74C)], we examined the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiatherosclerotic effects of this cysteine mutant in a rapid atherosclerosis model induced by perivascular carotid collar placement in apoE⁻/⁻ mice. Lipid-free apoA-I(N74C) showed a significant increased antioxidant potency in low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in vitro and reduced intracellular lipid accumulation in THP-1-derived macrophages, relative to wild-type apoA-I (apoA-Iwt). Mice injected with recombinant HDL (rHDL) reconstituted with apoA-I(N74C) (named rHDL74) through tail veins (40 mg/kg of body weight, three injections) had a significant lower level of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and enhanced serum antioxidation compared with mice receiving rHDL reconstituted with apoA-Iwt (named rHDLwt). Moreover, compared with rHDLwt, the rHDL74 in vivo injection resulted in a significant decrease in plaque size, ratio of aorta intima to media, arterial remodeling, and macrophage content in lesions. In summary, intravenous injection with rHDL74 reconstituted with apoA-I cysteine mutant apoA-I (N74C) dramatically delays the development of atherosclerosis induced by perivascular carotid collar placement and reduces vascular remodeling in the carotid artery in apoE⁻/⁻ mice.