5-HT<sub>2A</sub> Receptor and 5-HT Degradation Play a Crucial Role in Atherosclerosis by Modulating Macrophage Foam Cell Formation, Vascular Endothelial Cell Inflammation, and Hepatic Steatosis
Yingying Ma, Xiurui Liang, Chen Li, Ruoming Li, Xin Tong, Rui Zhang, Xue-chun Shan, Jing Yang, Xiaonan Ma, Wenjia Lu, Ruitong Li, Jihua Fu
Abstract
AIM: R) and increased synthesis and degradation of 5-HT. Here, we investigated the role of 5-HT in the development of atherosclerosis. METHODS: R, 5-HT synthase, and CD68 in the aortic wall), and fluorescent probe staining (showing intracellular ROS). RESULTS: R regulated TG synthesis and oxLDL uptake by activating PKCε, resulting in formation of lipid droplets and even foam cells; ROS production was due to the increase of both intracellular 5-HT synthesis and mitochondrial MAO-A-catalyzed 5-HT degradation, which leads to the activation of NF-κB and the release of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β from macrophages and HUVECs as well as MCP-1 release from HUVECs. CONCLUSION: R, 5-HT synthesis, and 5-HT degradation.