Apolipoprotein CIII regulates lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 expression via the MAPK and NFκB pathways

Apolipoprotein CIII (apo CIII), a small glycoprotein that binds to the surfaces of certain lipoproteins, is associated with inflammatory and atherogenic responses in vascular cells. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) has been proposed as an inflammatory biomarker and potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we report that apo CIII increases Lp-PLA(2) mRNA and protein levels in dose- and time- dependent manner in human monocytic THP-1 cells, and the increase can be abolished by MAPK and NF kappa B pathway inhibitors. Lp-PLA(2) inhibitor, 1-linoleoyl glycerol attenuates the inflammation induced by apo CIII. In turn, exogenous Lp-PLA(2) expression upregulates apo CIII and the upregulation can be inhibited by 1-linoleoyl glycerol in HepG2 cells. Moreover, plasma Lp-PLA(2) level is correlated with apo CIII expression in pig liver. In vivo, Lp-PLA(2) expression in monocytes and its activity in serum were significantly increased in human apo CIII transgenic porcine models compared with wild-type pigs. Our results suggest that Lp-PLA(2) and apo CIII expression level is correlated with each other in vitro and in vivo.