Overexpression of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 3 in Macrophages Reduces Atherosclerosis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Mice

Objective-Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) is a stromal protein that inhibits the activity of proteases and receptors. TIMP3 is downregulated in metabolic and inflammatory disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis, particularly in regions enriched with monocyte/macrophage cells. To investigate the role of TIMP3 in atherosclerosis, we generated a new mouse model in which Timp3 was overexpressed in the atherosclerotic plaque via a macrophage-specific promoter (MacT3). We elucidated any potential antiatherosclerotic effects of TIMP3, including regulation of monocyte/macrophage recruitment within atherosclerotic plaques, in MacT3 mice crossbred with low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR-/-) mice. Methods and Results-MacT3/LDLR-/- mice had an improvement of atherosclerosis and metabolic parameters compared with LDLR-/-. En face aorta and aortic root examination of MacT3/LDLR-/- mice revealed smaller atherosclerotic plaques with features of stability, such as increased collagen content and decreased necrotic core formation. Atherosclerotic plaques in MacT3/LDLR-/- mice contained fewer T cells and macrophages. Furthermore, TIMP3 overexpression in macrophages resulted in reduced oxidative stress signals, as evidenced by lower lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and nitration in atheromas. Conclusion-Our study confirmed that macrophage-specific overexpression of TIMP3 decreases the inflammatory content and the amplitude of atherosclerotic plaques in mice. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2012;32:74-81.)