Expression of sdc1 gene in aortic arch and the serum concentration of "soluble" CD138 in ApoE knockout mice

Abstract

Background. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan Syndecan-1 (CD138), as a part of the endothelial glycocalyx, protects vessel walls from the penetration of pathogens and mechanical effects of blood pressure. The ability of constant remodeling is one of the important characteristics of CD138. The CD138 ectodomain is constitutively shed from the cell surface converting the soluble form which enters the blood stream. This process enhances in response to in flammation. The shed form of CD138 is named "soluble" CD138. The main goal of the work is the analysis of dynamics of CD138 remodeling in the organism of ApoE knockout mice during the atherosclerotic plaque formation. Methods. The sdc1 gene expression in aortic arch was determined by real time PCR. Ezyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect "soluble" CD138. Results. In this paper we showed that the level of "soluble" CD138 in serum of ApoE knockout (ApoE-/-) mice and wild type mice was increased with age. However, the total amount of "soluble" CD138 was higher in ApoE-/- mice. In contrast, the level of sdc1 gene expression in aortic arch of ApoE-/- mice was decreased in comparison with wild-type mice. Conclusions. The increasing concentration of "soluble" CD138 in murine blood serum reflects the chronic pathology; during the atherosclerotic plaque formation CD138 synthesis is slowed down, while the shedding is increased.