Role of VLDL Receptor in the Process of Foam Cell Formation

Summary: The role of very low density lipoprotein receptor (LVLDR) in the process of foam cell formation was investigated. After the primary cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages were incubated with VLDL, β-VLDL or low density lipoprotein (LDL), respectively for 24 h and 48 h, foam cells formation was identified by oil red O staining and cellular contents of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were determined. The mRNA levels of LDLR, LDLR related protein (LRP)and VLDLR were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The results demonstrated that VLDL, βVLDL and LDL could increase the contents of TG and TC in macrophages. Cells treated with VLDL or β-VLDL showed markedly increased expression of VLDLR and decreased expression of LDLR, whereas LRP was up-regulated slightly. For identifying the effect of VLDL receptor on cellular lipid accumulation, Idl-A7-VR cells, which expresses VLDLR and trace amount of LRP without functional LDLR, was used to incubate with lipoproteins for further examination. The results elucidated that the uptake of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein mediated by VLDLR plays an important role in accumulation of lipid and the formation of foam cells.