Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and accelerated atherosclerosis, which has been associated to hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation. Activated macrophages are described to participate in atherosclerosis due to foam cell formation and pro-inflammatory mediators production. Bacterial infections are described to accelerate atherosclerosis, moreover, gram-positive and negative bacterial DNA was described in atherosclerotic plaques.
Methods: We studied the glucose modulation of RAW 264.7 macrophages activation by the gram-positive bacterial antigen lipoteichoic acid (LTA), evaluating nitrite production, tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion and matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity.
Results: High glucose increased macrophages activation by LTA, evidenced by exacerbated nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor alpha production, as well matrix metalloproteinase 9 secretion.
Conclusions: These effects could contribute to atherosclerotic risk parameters, like atherome plaque instability, and participate in chronic inflammation present in type 2 diabetes.