Macrophage-Derived LCN2 Promotes Methamphetamine-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine (METH), a novel amphetamine-type psychostimulant, is recognized as a risk factor for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Macrophage activation is a key event in pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH progression, but the specific mechanisms of METH-induced PH (METH-PH) remain unclear. METHODS: A METH-PH mouse model was constructed using wild-type and Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) knockout (LCN2 −/− ) mice. The involvement and underlying mechanism of LCN2 in METH-PH formation were explored using a METH-PH mouse model and a coculture system of macrophages and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. RESULTS: In this study, LCN2 was identified as a key regulator of perivascular inflammation and pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH. In the METH-PH mouse model, LCN2 expression was elevated in macrophages within lung tissues. Compared with wild-type mice, LCN2 −/− mice were protected from METH-PH, exhibiting reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular pressure. Mechanistically, LCN2 regulates IL-1β (interleukin-1β) production and secretion through NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome activation. In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, macrophage-derived LCN2 upregulates the expression of SLC7A11 (solute carrier family 7 member 11) and GPX4 (glutathione peroxidase 4), thereby reducing reactive oxygen species production and preventing ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed a novel mechanism linking LCN2 to macrophages, inflammatory responses, vascular remodeling, and intercellular interactions, indicating that LCN2 could serve as a therapeutic target for METH-induced PH.