Abstract 19930: Inflammatory Cytokine Oncostatin M Induces Endothelial Activation in vitro and in APOE*3Leiden.CETP Mice

Introduction: Endothelial activation is involved in all stages of atherosclerosis development. Upon endothelial activation, the endothelial barrier becomes more permeable and starts recruiting immune cells. This process is often initiated by cytokines. We hypothesized that the cytokine Oncostatin M (OSM), which is synthesized by activated T-cells and monocytes and is relatively unknown in the field of atherosclerosis, induces endothelial activation. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in the presence of OSM and OSM was administered to APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice. Features of endothelial cell activation were assessed by qPCR, flow cytometry, Luminex, and immunohistochemistry. Involvement of the JAK/STAT signaling cascade was investigated by western blot. Results: In vitro, OSM increased intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (296±16%, n=3), interleukin (IL)-6 (742±127, n=4) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (307±48, n=4) mRNA expression. These findings were suppor...