Contribution of xanthoma tissue-derived LDL density substances in the transformation of macrophages to foam cells.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The source of accumulated lipids in the foam cells of xanthoma is primarily the lipoproteins existing in the lesional dermis.

OBJECTIVE:

This study was designated to clarify the contribution of low density lipoprotein (LDL) density substances existing in xanthoma tissue to foam cell formation.

METHODS:

An LDL density fraction was obtained from homogenized rabbit experimental xanthoma tissue. Biochemical and functional characteristics of xanthoma-extracted LDL density substance were examined. The in vivo foam cell-inducing ability of xanthoma-extracted LDL density substance was examined microscopically at the intradermal injection site.

RESULTS:

Xanthoma-extracted LDL density substance showed more negatively charged mobility on agarose gel electrophoresis than plasma native LDL. A small amount of aggregated material remained at the origin on agarose gel electrophoresis. Xanthoma-extracted LDL density substance contained much higher level of lipid peroxides than native LDL. Mouse peritoneal macrophages internalized xanthoma-extracted LDL density substance extensively and transformed into foam cells by incubation with xanthoma-extracted LDL density substance. Intradermal injection of the xanthoma-extracted LDL density substance induced foam cell infiltration in the skin of a normolipemic rabbit.

CONCLUSION:

LDL density substances prepared ex vivo from experimental xanthoma tissue contained lipid-protein complexes that have physiochemical properties of oxidized LDL. The lipid-protein complexes were incorporated into foam cells. The substances were considered to contribute to foam cell recruitment during the persistence of xanthoma lesions.

• Authors: Mitsunori Ikeda, Kimiko Nakajima, Hideki Nakajima, Masaaki Matsumoto, Masahiro Seike, Hajime Kodama
• Journal: Journal of dermatological science (J Dermatol Sci) Vol. 44 Issue 3 Pg. 161-8 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 0923-1811 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 17092695 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Lipoproteins

Topics

• Animals
• Foam Cells (cytology, metabolism)
• Injections, Intradermal
• Lipoproteins (chemistry, metabolism)
• Macrophages (cytology, metabolism)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Rabbits
• Xanthomatosis (metabolism)