Anti-oxLDL antibody isotype levels, as potential markers for progressive atherosclerosis in APOE^-/- and APOE^-/-CD40L^-/- mice

In humans and animal models of atherosclerosis, antibodies against oxidized LDL have been associated with atherosclerotic lesion development. It has been suggested that IgM anti-oxLDL antibodies are anti-atherogenic, whereas IgG anti-oxLDL antibodies are pro-atherogenic. In this study, we examined the relation between IgM and IgG antibody levels and atherosclerosis severity in APOE^-/-CD40L^-/- mice, which are deficient for IgG and develop moderate advanced atherosclerosis, and compared results with mice developing severe (APOE^-/-) or no atherosclerosis (C57Bl/6). Mice were followed in time for anti-oxLDL antibodies while on high-fat diet or normal chow. Anti-oxLDL antibody levels were determined by ELISA. Results revealed that 24-week-old APOE^-/-CD40L^-/- mice had enhanced IgM anti-oxLDL antibody levels when compared with wild-type mice, but similar levels to those of APOE^-/- mice. As expected, IgG anti-oxLDL antibody levels were almost absent in APOE^-/-CD40L^-/- mice. The transition from early to advanced lesions in APOE^-/- mice was reflected by elevated IgM anti-oxLDL antibody levels. IgM anti-oxLDL levels did not further increase during progression to more advanced lesions. No relation was found between IgG anti-oxLDL levels and atherosclerosis severity. In conclusion, the severity of advanced atherosclerosis in mice is not reflected by IgM and/or IgG anti-oxLDL antibody levels. Furthermore, less advanced atherosclerotic lesion development in APOE^-/-CD40L^-/- mice does not seem to be the result of higher levels of protective IgM anti-oxLDL antibodies. Therefore, our study does not support the idea that the previously observed inconsistency in the relation between anti-oxLDL and atherosclerosis severity is due to differences in antibody isotypes.