Activation of GPR55 Receptors Exacerbates oxLDL-Induced Lipid Accumulation and Inflammatory Responses, while Reducing Cholesterol Efflux from Human Macrophages

PLoS One. 2015 May 13;10(5):e0126839. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126839. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

The G protein-coupled receptor GPR55 has been proposed as a new cannabinoid receptor associated with bone remodelling, nervous system excitability, vascular homeostasis as well as in several pathophysiological conditions including obesity and cancer. However, its physiological role and underlying mechanism remain unclear. In the present work, we demonstrate for the first time its presence in human macrophages and its increased expression in ox-LDL-induced foam cells. In addition, pharmacological activation of GPR55 by its selective agonist O-1602 increased CD36- and SRB-I-mediated lipid accumulation and blocked cholesterol efflux by downregulating ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1, as well as enhanced cytokine- and pro-metalloprotease-9 (pro-MMP-9)-induced proinflammatory responses in foam cells. Treatment with cannabidiol, a selective antagonist of GPR55, counteracted these pro-atherogenic and proinflammatory O-1602-mediated effects. Our data suggest that GPR55 could play deleterious role in ox-LDL-induced foam cells and could be a novel pharmacological target to manage atherosclerosis and other related cardiovascular diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis / immunology
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism
  • Cannabidiol / analogs & derivatives
  • Cell Line
  • Cholesterol / metabolism*
  • Cyclohexanes / pharmacology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Foam Cells / immunology
  • Foam Cells / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Lipid Droplets / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / physiology*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / metabolism
  • NFATC Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Resorcinols / pharmacology

Substances

  • Cyclohexanes
  • Cytokines
  • GPR55 protein, human
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • NFATC Transcription Factors
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Resorcinols
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein
  • Cannabidiol
  • O-1602 compound
  • Cholesterol
  • MMP9 protein, human
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9

Grants and funding

This investigation was supported by Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca [grant PRIN 2010-2011] to MM.