Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Quinone Exposure Induces Atherosclerosis Progression via CD36-Mediated Lipid Accumulation, NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation, and Pyroptosis

Chem Res Toxicol. 2021 Sep 20;34(9):2125-2134. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00214. Epub 2021 Aug 24.

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used worldwide in brominated flame retardants. Although due to the forbiddance of their application, PBDEs continuously exist in the environment due to their persistence. Therefore, it is important to expand the understanding of their potential toxicities and human risks. The underlying cardiovascular toxicological mechanisms of PBDEs are still largely unknown. Our previous studies indicated that PBDE quinone-type metabolite (PBDEQ) exposure causes reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven cytotoxicity and various types of programmed cell death. Here, we first reported PBDEQ exposure induces atherosclerosis progression in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) isolated from wild-type C57BL/6 or CD36-/- mice and J774A.1 macrophage models. First, we found that PBDEQ exposure induced lipid accumulation in oxidized low-density lipid (Ox-LDL)-treated J774A.1 macrophages. Consistently, in J774A.1 macrophages, PBDEQ exposure resulted in NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. CD36, a scavenger receptor responsible for the mediation of Ox-LDL uptake, was upregulated upon PBDEQ treatment. On the contrary, genetic knockout of CD36 or CD36 silencing by small interfering RNA efficiently attenuates PBDEQ-promoted lipid accumulation in BMDMs and J774A.1 macrophages. These findings highlight the effect of CD36 on the cardiovascular toxicity of PBDEs, which provides a better understanding of the pro-atherosclerosis effect of PBDEs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / etiology*
  • Benzoquinones / toxicity*
  • CD36 Antigens / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Foam Cells / drug effects
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / toxicity*
  • Inflammasomes / drug effects*
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / metabolism
  • Pyroptosis / drug effects*

Substances

  • Benzoquinones
  • CD36 Antigens
  • Cd36 protein, mouse
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
  • Inflammasomes
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Nlrp3 protein, mouse