Effects of Pioglitazone on the expression of ATP binding cassette transporter A1/G1 and scavenger receptor class B type I in THP-1 derived macrophages

Objective: To investigate the effects of Pioglitazone on the expression of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ATP binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-B I) in THP-1 derived macrophages. Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR-B I in THP-1 derived macrophages were assayed by real time PCR and Western blot after 24 hours of treatment with different concentration of Pioglitazone (1, 10, 20, and 30 μmol/L, respectively). THP-1 derived macrophages were pretreated with or without 2 μmol/L GW9662 for 1 hour before incubation with 10 μmol/L Pioglitazone for 24 hours. Then we detected the mRNA and protein expressions of ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR-B I in these macrophages. Results: Pioglitazone significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-B I in THP-1 derived macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. GW9662 obviously inhibited the increase of ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR-B I mRNA and protein expression in THP-1 derived macrophages which were induced by Pioglitazone (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pioglitazone increased the mRNA and protein expression of ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR-B I in THP-1 derived macrophages by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ.