Anti-oxLDL antibody isotype levels, as potential markers for progressive atherosclerosis in APOE and APOECD40L mice

Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 Nov;154(2):264-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03746.x. Epub 2008 Sep 5.

Abstract

In humans and animal models of atherosclerosis, antibodies against oxidized LDL have been associated with atherosclerotic lesion development. It has been suggested that IgM anti-oxLDL antibodies are anti-atherogenic, whereas IgG anti-oxLDL antibodies are pro-atherogenic. In this study, we examined the relation between IgM and IgG antibody levels and atherosclerosis severity in APOE(-/-)CD40L(-/-) mice, which are deficient for IgG and develop moderate advanced atherosclerosis, and compared results with mice developing severe (APOE(-/-)) or no atherosclerosis (C57Bl/6). Mice were followed in time for anti-oxLDL antibodies while on high-fat diet or normal chow. Anti-oxLDL antibody levels were determined by ELISA. Results revealed that 24-week-old APOE(-/-)CD40L(-/-) mice had enhanced IgM anti-oxLDL antibody levels when compared with wild-type mice, but similar levels to those of APOE(-/-) mice. As expected, IgG anti-oxLDL antibody levels were almost absent in APOE(-/-)CD40L(-/-) mice. The transition from early to advanced lesions in APOE(-/-) mice was reflected by elevated IgM anti-oxLDL antibody levels. IgM anti-oxLDL levels did not further increase during progression to more advanced lesions. No relation was found between IgG anti-oxLDL levels and atherosclerosis severity. In conclusion, the severity of advanced atherosclerosis in mice is not reflected by IgM and/or IgG anti-oxLDL antibody levels. Furthermore, less advanced atherosclerotic lesion development in APOE(-/-)CD40L(-/-) mice does not seem to be the result of higher levels of protective IgM anti-oxLDL antibodies. Therefore, our study does not support the idea that the previously observed inconsistency in the relation between anti-oxLDL and atherosclerosis severity is due to differences in antibody isotypes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Atherosclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Atherosclerosis / immunology
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • CD40 Ligand / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Progression
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / immunology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Autoantibodies
  • Biomarkers
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein
  • CD40 Ligand