Increased expression of the TGF-b superfamily cytokine MIC-1/GDF15 protects ApoE−/− mice from the development of atherosclerosis

AimMIC-1/GDF15 is a member of the TGF-b superfamily, which is thought to have pleiotropic roles in stress responses, inflammation, tissue injury and repair, energy homeostasis, and malignancy. MIC-1/GDF15 was recently identified as a new biomarker for the development of cardiovascular events and the outcome of atherosclerotic disease therapy. The aim of our study was to determine if MIC-1 also directly exerts pro- or antiatherogenic properties during the development of atherosclerosis.Methods and resultsWe investigated the effect of transgenic overexpression of MIC-1 in macrophages in the ApoE−/− mouse model of atherosclerosis. After 6 months of high-fat diet, MIC-1/GDF15 transgenic ApoE−/− mice had smaller atherosclerotic lesions; however, no differences in lesion composition, pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine production, or serum levels of lipids or cytokines were detected.ConclusionsOur results suggest that MIC-1 has an overall protective effect on the disease process, but further studies will be required to define its mechanism of action.