Exosomes derived from oxidized LDL-stimulated macrophages attenuate the growth and tube formation of endothelial cells.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) has a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. The participation of oxLDL-stimulated macrophages has been well-established in atherosclerosis, however the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Macrophage-derived exosomes are actively released and are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. However, the function of exosomes secreted by oxLDL-stimulated macrophages in atherosclerosis remains unknown. Exosomes from oxLDL-treated macrophages and controls were co-cultured with endothelial cells and the exosomes were taken up by endocytosis. Cell Counting Kit-8 and tube formation assay results revealed that exosomes derived from oxLDL-stimulated macrophages reduced the growth and tube formation ability of endothelial cells. Suppression of exosomal secretion by oxLDL-stimulated macrophages rescued the growth and tube formation ability of endothelial cells. Therefore, the results of the present study indicate that oxLDL-stimulated macrophages may attenuate the growth and tube formation of endothelial cells, at least in part through exosomal transfer. This may provide novel targets for the development of atherosclerosis therapeutics.