BACKGROUND: The transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) plays an essential role in the development and function of regulatory T cells. AIMS: To examine the effect of hyperlipidemia on the expression of Foxp3 in mice. METHODS: Twenty-four 8-week-old male apolipoprotein E (ApoE) mice on a C57BL/6 background were randomly divided into control group and high fat diet group, 12 mice per group. The blood-lipid levels, the number of Foxp3CD4 CD25 T cells, and the size of the atherosclerotic lesions in every group were measured. The expression levels of Foxp3 in different tissues were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the level of plasma lipids was significantly higher in the high fat-fed group, but the number and function of Foxp3CD4 CD25 T cells, the levels of Foxp3 protein expression, and Foxp3 gene transcript in selected tissues were lower in the high fat-fed group. CONCLUSION: Hyperlipidemia inhibits the expression and function of Foxp3 in various immune organs, which may be one of the mechanisms by which hyperlipidemia aggravates the formation of atherosclerosis.
BACKGROUND: The transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) plays an essential role in the development and function of regulatory T cells. AIMS: To examine the effect of hyperlipidemia on the expression of Foxp3 in mice. METHODS: Twenty-four 8-week-old male apolipoprotein E (ApoE) mice on a C57BL/6 background were randomly divided into control group and high fat diet group, 12 mice per group. The blood-lipid levels, the number of Foxp3CD4 CD25 T cells, and the size of the atherosclerotic lesions in every group were measured. The expression levels of Foxp3 in different tissues were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the level of plasma lipids was significantly higher in the high fat-fed group, but the number and function of Foxp3CD4 CD25 T cells, the levels of Foxp3 protein expression, and Foxp3 gene transcript in selected tissues were lower in the high fat-fed group. CONCLUSION:Hyperlipidemia inhibits the expression and function of Foxp3 in various immune organs, which may be one of the mechanisms by which hyperlipidemia aggravates the formation of atherosclerosis.