Serum amyloid A activation of human coronary artery endothelial cells exhibits a neutrophil promoting molecular profile

Background: Serum amyloid A (SAA) has been shown to be an active participant in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. SAA-stimulated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were reported to release pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules; however it remains unclear which putative SAA receptors are present in these cells and how they act. We investigated the effects of inflammatory stimuli on the expression of SAA receptors, signaling pathways and molecular profiles in HCAEC. Methodology/principle findings: HCAEC were cultured in vitro and stimulated with SAA (1000 nM) or IL-1 beta (1000 pg/ml). Expression of mRNA was determined by qPCR, and expression and quantification of proteins were assessed by dot array blots and ELISA, respectively. Protein phosphorylation was determined by dot blot arrays and Western blots. We report that all potential SAA receptors tested (FPR2/ALX, RAGE, TANIS, TLR2, TLR4 and CLA-1/hSR-B1) are expressed in HCAEC. Importantly, IL-1 beta or SAA significantly increased solely the expression of the innate immune receptor TLR2. SAA upregulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, NF-kappa B (p65, p105) and JNK, as well as expression/release of IL-6, IL-8, G-CSF, GM-CSF, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, all potent molecules involved in neutrophil-related activities. A TLR2-dependent positive feedback mechanism of SAA expression was found. Conclusion/significance: SAA stimulated responses in HCAEC target neutrophil rather than monocyte/macrophage activation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.