β-Sarcoglycan Deficiency Reduces Atherosclerotic Plaque Development in ApoE-Null Mice

• Background: Smooth muscle cells are important for atheroscleroticplaque stability. Their proper ability to communicatewith the extracellular matrix is crucial for maintainingthe correct tissue integrity. In this study, we have investigatedthe role of β-sarcoglycan within the matrix-binding dystrophin-glycoproteincomplex in the development of atherosclerosis.Results: Atherosclerotic plaque developmentwas significantly reduced in ApoE-deficient mice lackingβ-sarcoglycan, and their plaques contained an increase indifferentiated smooth muscle cells. ApoE-deficient micelacking β-sarcoglycan showed a reduction in ovarian adiposetissue and adipocyte size, while the total weight of theanimals was not significantly different. Western blot analysisof adipose tissues showed a decreased activation of proteinkinase B, while that of AMP-activated kinase was increasedin mice lacking β-sarcoglycan. Analysis of plasma in β-sarcoglycan-deficientmice revealed reduced levels of leptin,adiponectin, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides but in-creased levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α. Conclusions: Our resultsindicate that the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex andβ-sarcoglycan can affect the atherosclerotic process. Furthermore,the results show the effects of β-sarcoglycan deficiencyon adipose tissue and lipid metabolism, which mayalso have contributed to the atherosclerotic plaque reduction.

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MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

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