Lead-induced actin polymerization aggravates neutrophil extracellular trap formation and contributes to vascular inflammation

Lead (Pb) exposure is widely acknowledged as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have established neutrophil involvement in Pb-induced cardiovascular injuries; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, the binding targets of Pb in neutrophils and their roles in regulating neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation were investigated. Furthermore, their impact on Pb-induced vascular inflammation and other cardiovascular injuries was studied in mice. Our findings indicate, for the first time, that Pb binds to β-actin in neutrophils, influencing NET formation. Inhibition of actin polymerization reduces the release of extracellular myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase, and citrullinated histone H3, indicating an impediment in NET formation. Furthermore, Pb exposure exacerbates blood pressure and vascular inflammation in vascular tissues, leading to abnormal aortic blood flow in mice. These injuries are potentially associated with NET formation, which is supported by the positive correlation between NETs and vascular inflammation. Importantly, the inhibition of actin polymerization mitigates Pb-induced vascular inflammation and regulates systolic blood pressure by reducing NET formation. Collectively, our findings provide novel insights into the mechanism underlying Pb-induced cardiovascular injury, contributing to the management of the escalating risk associated with Pb-induced cardiovascular damage.