Linoleic acid stimulates IL-8 and ICAM-1 production in huvec cultures

The cellular lipid environment may influence the inflammatory status of the vascular endothelium. To test this hypothesis, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-l expression and interleukin (IL)-8 levels were determined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). treated with linoleic acid (18:2) in the presence or absence of TNF. Treatment exposure to 90 uM of 18:2 increased ICAM-1 expression. This effect was further potentiated when HUVEC were exposed to higher concentrations of 18:2. In addition, cellular exposure to 18:2 increased IL-8 levels in the surrounding medium. Compared to the effect exerted by 18:2, LPS or TNF increased IL-8 levels and ICAM-1 expression more markedly. Vitamin E attenuated the 18:2 or LPS-mediated increase in IL8 levels, whereas it had no inhibitory effect on 18:2-induced ICAM-1 expression. The combined treatment with 18:2 plus TNF exacerbated ICAM-1 expression, as compared to the exposure to 18:2 or TNF alone. These results suggest the importance of lipid and cytokine interactions in adhesion molecule expression with implications in atherosclerosis. (Supported in part by NIH HL36552 and KY Ag. Exp. Station Funds).