Background: The accumulation of macrophage-derived foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions correlates with increased local release of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a thin fibrous cap. The activity of these enzymes is controlled by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).
Methods and results: Because oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) modulates gene expression, we investigated the effect of these particles on the levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in the culture media of human monocyte-derived macrophages. OxLDL but not native LDL or high-density lipoprotein reduced the level of TIMP-1 in a dose-dependent manner with maximal effect (60% of control) at approximately 100 microg protein/mL. In addition, Northern blotting revealed marked reduction in the abundance of TIMP-1 mRNA in OxLDL-treated cells. Evaluation of the effect of oxysterol components of OxLDL on TIMP-1 production revealed that 25-hydroxycholesterol (1 microg/mL) was the most potent inhibitor ( approximately 30% of control). Such inhibition was partially mediated by interleukin (IL)-8. Indeed, IL-8 (2.5 ng/mL) induced maximal inhibition of TIMP-1 accumulation (30% of control) in 4 of 6 cell preparations. In addition, the inhibitory effect of OxLDL-treated cells in the presence of an anti-IL-8 neutralizing antibody was partially reversed.
Conclusions: Immunohistochemical analyses of human atherosclerotic plaques revealed the expression of TIMP-1 in some but not all macrophage-rich and IL-8-rich areas. Therefore, IL-8 may play a potential atherogenic role by inhibiting local TIMP-1 expression, thereby leading to an imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs at focal sites in the atherosclerotic plaque.