Bult, Hidde

De Meyer, Guido

Herman, Arnold

Martinet, Wim

Schrijvers, Dorien M.

van Herck, Jozef L.

Van Hove, Cor

Vrints, Christiaan

Abstract: Aim: Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is important for the deposition and stability of the extracellular matrix via effects on cross-linking of matrix proteins and transforming growth factor (TGF ) activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of TG2 deficiency on the composition of atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) / mice were crossbred with TG2 / mice to obtain ApoE / TG2 / mice. ApoE / and ApoE / TG2 / mice were fed a Western-type diet for 16 or 30 weeks to determine the effect of TG2 deficiency on early and advanced atherosclerosis, respectively. Results: Atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE / TG2 / mice showed decreased cross-linking of matrix proteins, as well as decreased nuclear staining for phospho- Smad2/-Smad3, indicative of decreased TGF activity. Compared to ApoE / mice, plaque area was decreased by 45 and 48% in ApoE / TG2 / mice after 16 and 30 weeks, respectively. Sirius red staining showed a significant decrease in collagen content in early and advanced atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE / TG2 / mice. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in macrophages in advanced atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE / TG2 / mice. Conclusion: TG2 deficiency resulted in a decreased collagen content and increased inflammation, which are features of a more unstable plaque

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Transglutaminase 2 deficiency decreases plaque fibrosis and increases plaque inflammation in apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice

Transglutaminase 2 deficiency decreases plaque fibrosis and increases plaque inflammation in apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice

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Institutional Repository Universiteit Antwerpen