Nitrate Esters Alleviated Coronary Atherosclerosis Through Inhibition of NF-κB–Regulated Macrophage Polarization Shift in Epicardial Adipose Tissue

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether nitrate esters could improve coronary atherosclerosis through inhibition of macrophage polarization shift in EAT. A case–control study enrolled 48 subjects in 2 groups: CAD patients with or without nitrate esters treatment. Infiltration of M1/M2 macrophages and the expressions of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in EAT and subcutaneous white adipose tissue were investigated by immunohistochemical stain among subjects undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The expression levels of metabolic genes were investigated by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We found that nitrate ester treatment significantly inhibited NF-кB activity and decreased macrophage infiltration and M1/M2 macrophage ratio in EAT in patients with CAD. The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly decreased, along with significantly elevated expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines in CAD patients with nitrate ester treatment, corresponding EAT dysfunction was ameliorated and the severity of patients with CAD (Gensini score) was significantly decreased. The protective effects on macrophage polarization and EAT function through NF-кB activity inhibition suggested a potential mechanism of nitrate esters in alleviating the severity of CAD.
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology - Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Article Source Type: research