Pathogenic role of IL-17 in endothelial dysfunction, a link between rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA and atherosclerosis share common pathway. Among cytokines involved in RA, interleukin 17 (IL-17) is now seen with a key role. The effect of IL-17 was investigated to better understand its role in endothelial dysfunction, the first step of atherosclerosis. Primary endothelial cells (EC) were treated with IL-17 (100 ng/ml) alone or combined to tumour necrosis factor (TNF)(alpha) (1 ng/ml). mRNA expression was quantified by qRT PCR and by Affymetrix microarrays HG133 A+2. The role of IL-17 was evaluated in EC migration and invasion using a chemoinvasion assay through BM matrigel in modified Boyden chambers. The ability of IL-17 to promote thrombosis through platelet aggregation was assessed using platelet rich plasma incubated with IL-17-treated EC supernatants. Coagulation activation was assessed by the expression of tissue factor.