The oxLDL/β2GPI/β2GPI-Ab complex promotes the migration and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective To study the effects of the complex of oxidized low density lipoprotein/β2-glycoprotein I/β2-glycoprotein I antibodies (oxLDL/β2GPI/β2GPI-Ab) on the migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and their underlying Toll-like receptor (TLR4) pathway. Methods HUVECs were treated with oxLDL, oxLDL/β2GPI complex, oxLDL/β2GPI-Ab complex, oxLDL/β2GPI/β2GPI-Ab complex, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for a period of time in their corresponding groups. The migration of HUVECs was observed by the wound-healing assay. The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 in HUVECs were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. The cells were pretreated with or without TAK-242 (the inhibitor of TLR4) 2 hours before stimulated by corresponding stimulus as described above. Then, the contents of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in cell culture supernatant were determined by ELISA, and their mRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR. Results The oxLDL/β2GPI/β2GPI-Ab complex promoted the migration of HUVECs effectively, and increased the expression of TLR4. The oxLDL/β2GPI/β2GPI-Ab complex increased the expressions of MCP-1, IL-1β, and IL-6. TAK-242 could reduce the effects of oxLDL/β2GPI/β2GPI-Ab complex. Conclusion The oxLDL/β2GPI/anti-β2GPI-Ab complex can promote the migration of HUVECs and the expression of related inflammatory cytokines, and TLR4 may be involved in this process.