The cellular and molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis are still unclear. Type 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and protect against atherosclerosis. This study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis development using atherosclerosis model mice (ApoE KO mice) and mice deficient in IL-33 receptor ST2 (ApoEST2 DKO mice). Sixteen-week-old male ApoE KO and ApoEST2 DKO mice were subjected to an 8-week regimen of a high-fat, high-sucrose diet. Atherosclerotic foci were assessed histologically at the aortic valve ring. Chronic inflammation was assessed using flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid) and IL-33 were administered to human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to assess fatty acid metabolism. ApoEST2 DKO mice with attenuated ILC2 had significantly worse atherosclerosis than ApoE KO mice. The levels of saturated fatty acids, including palmitic acid, were significantly elevated in the arteries and serum of ApoEST2 DKO mice. Furthermore, on treating HAECs with saturated fatty acids with or without IL-33, the Oil Red O staining area significantly decreased in the IL-33-treated group compared to that in the non-treated group. IL-33 potentially prevented the accumulation of saturated fatty acids within atherosclerotic foci.
Keywords: atherosclerosis; atherosclerotic foci; interleukin-33; saturated fatty acids; type 2 innate lymphocytes.