LAUSR

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) has a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. The participation of oxLDL‑stimulated macrophages has been well‑established in atherosclerosis, however the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Macrophage‑derived exosomes are actively released and are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. However, the function of exosomes secreted by oxLDL‑stimulated macrophages in atherosclerosis remains unknown. Exosomes from oxLDL‑treated macrophages and controls were co‑cultured with endothelial cells and the exosomes were taken up by endocytosis. Cell Counting Kit‑8 and tube formation assay results revealed that exosomes derived from oxLDL‑stimulated macrophages reduced the growth and tube formation ability of endothelial cells. Suppression of exosomal secretion by oxLDL‑stimulated macrophages rescued the growth and tube formation ability of endothelial cells. Therefore, the results of the present study indicate that oxLDL‑stimulated macrophages may attenuate the growth and tube formation of endothelial cells, at least in part through exosomal transfer. This may provide novel targets for the development of atherosclerosis therapeutics.