Bezafibrate mitigates oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced the attachment of monocytes to endothelial cells: An implication in atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background: Oxidized forms of low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL)-associated endothelial dysfunction and subsequent monocyte adhesion play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). Bezafibrate (BEZ) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (pan-PPAR) agonist licensed as a hypolipidemic drug. However, the effects of BEZ on endothelial dysfunction are less reported.

Objectives: In this study, we aim to investigate the protective effects of BEZ on ox-LDL-challenged vascular endothelial cells to evaluate its potential value in treating AS.

Methods: Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and THP-1 cells were used to establish an In Vitro AS model. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to test the data.

Results: As expected, treatment with BEZ suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), tissue factor (TF), Interleukin 12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). BEZ was also found to inhibit ox-LDL-induced expression of the endothelial adhesion molecules vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in HAECs. Correspondingly, BEZ prevented attachment of THP-1 monocytes to ox-LDL-incubated HAECs. Mechanically, BEZ was found to prevent NF-κB activation by reducing the levels of nuclear NF-κB p65 and inhibiting luciferase activity of NF-κB.

Conclusion: Our study revealed the pharmacological function of BEZ in protecting endothelial dysfunction against ox-LDL, which may provide valuable insight for the clinical application of BEZ.

Keywords: Bezafibrate; NF‐κB; atherosclerosis; endothelial dysfunction; ox‐LDL.