Vascular ATGL-dependent lipolysis and the activation of cPLA₂-PGI₂ pathway protect against postprandial endothelial dysfunction

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is involved in lipolysis and displays a detrimental pathophysiological role in cardio-metabolic diseases. However, the organo-protective effects of ATGL-induced lipolysis were also suggested. The aim of this work was to characterize the function of lipid droplets (LDs) and ATGL-induced lipolysis in the regulation of endothelial function. ATGL-dependent LDs hydrolysis and cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂)-derived eicosanoids production were studied in the aorta, endothelial and smooth muscle cells exposed to exogenous oleic acid (OA) or arachidonic acid (AA). Functional effects of ATGL-dependent lipolysis and subsequent activation of cPLA₂/PGI₂ pathway were also studied in vivo in relation to postprandial endothelial dysfunction.The formation of LDs was invariably associated with elevated production of endogenous AA-derived prostacyclin (PGI₂). In the presence of the inhibitor of ATGL or the inhibitor of cytosolic phospholipase A₂, the production of eicosanoids was reduced, with a concomitant increase in the number of LDs. OA administration impaired endothelial barrier integrity in vitro that was further impaired if OA was given together with ATGL inhibitor. Importantly, in vivo, olive oil induced postprandial endothelial dysfunction that was significantly deteriorated by ATGL inhibition, cPLA₂ inhibition or by prostacyclin (IP) receptor blockade.In summary, vascular LDs formation induced by exogenous AA or OA was associated with ATGL- and cPLA₂-dependent PGI₂ production from endogenous AA. The inhibition of ATGL resulted in an impairment of endothelial barrier function in vitro. The inhibition of ATGL-cPLA₂-PGI₂ dependent pathway resulted in the deterioration of endothelial function upon exposure to olive oil in vivo. In conclusion, vascular ATGL-cPLA₂-PGI₂ dependent pathway activated by lipid overload and linked to LDs formation in endothelium and smooth muscle cells has a vasoprotective role by counterbalancing detrimental effects of lipid overload on endothelial function.