A major cause of late-life health complications is the cardiovascular disease known as atherosclerosis. The process of atherogenesis is marked by endothelial cell dysfunction, the development of atherogenic lesions, and plaque buildup on the intima of the arterial endothelium. This process is fueled primarily by the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells via the actions of the cellular adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and E-selectin. When expressed at their basal levels, these molecules are vital to various cellular processes, but when in a state of overproduction, they drive the progression of atherosclerosis by recruiting monocytes to roll along and adhere to the endothelium. TNF-α is theorized to play a causal role in the development of atherosclerosis, but the exact mechanism remains poorly understood. This cytokine is known to upregulate various factors associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which greatly contribute to endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of butyrate on these atherogenic processes. Previously not known to have atheroprotective effects, this natural compound shows promise as a treatment for atherosclerosis. In the present study, we found butyrate to exert various anti-inflammatory and downstream regulatory effects. Namely, butyrate ameliorated the overproduction of adhesion molecules, including VCAM-1 and E-selectin, reduced oxidative stress by reducing the levels of ROS and 4-HNE, and suppressed inflammation via inhibition of MCP-1 and IL-8. Additionally, butyrate rescued the reduced expression of the protective factor KLF2, which was mediated through the ERK5 pathway. Thus, butyrate may serve as a promising treatment against atherosclerosis.
Keywords: Adhesion molecules; Atherosclerosis; Butyrate; E-selectin; TNF-α; VCAM-1.