Adiponectin reduces carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE(−/−) mice: Roles of oxidative and nitrosative stress and inducible nitric oxide synthase

Adiponectin (APN) is an important anti-atherogenic adipocytokine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of adiponectin in atherosclerotic plaque formation and clarify its mechanisms. An atherosclerosis model was induced by in vivo perivascular constrictive silica collar placement on the left common carotid arteries in male apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(−/−)) mice. All of the mice were fed a high-fat diet, and divided into phosphate-buffered saline, adenovirus (Ad)-β-galactosidase and Ad-APN treatment groups. Compared with treatment of Ad-β-gal or PBS, Ad-APN treatment markedly reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression, decreased in nitric oxide/superoxide production, blocked peroxynitrite formation and reversed the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Adiponectin may be a natural molecule that reduces atherosclerosis by inhibiting iNOS and consequently diminishing oxidative/nitrative stress.