Atheroprotective Roles of Adiponectin via CCL2 Inhibition

Aim: Adiponectin (APN) exhibits different atheroprotective effects, and we have previously reported that APN function is modulated by its binding proteins, E-selectin ligand 1, Mac-2 binding protein, and cystatin C. In the present study, we aimed to identify a novel atheroprotective mechanism of APN via C–C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2). Methods: We conducted iMAP (®) -intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in 111 Japanese male patients with stable angina. The plaque characteristics were determined where “plaque burden” [(EEM CSA − lumen CSA)/(EEM CSA)×100 (%)] ＞50%, and their correlation with serum CCL2 and APN levels was analyzed. Using western blot analysis, the effects of APN on the biological effects of CCL2 were examined in their mutual binding by co-immunoprecipitation assay, the monocyte migration, and the phosphorylation of MAP kinases. Results: In a clinical study, we found that the percentage of plaque in the culprit lesion was correlated positively with serum CCL2 and negatively with serum APN levels, with significance. We identified CCL2 as a novel APN-binding serum protein using immunoprecipitation and western blot analysis. CCL2-induced phosphorylation of MAP kinases and monocyte migration was significantly attenuated by APN in vitro . Conclusion: The opposite association of APN and CCL2 on the percentage of coronary plaque might be caused by their direct interaction and competitive functions on monocyte migration.