PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G Baggio

Publications and source records attributed to G Baggio.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Characterization with zonal ultracentrifugation of low-density lipoproteins in type V hyperlipoproteinemia.

Low-density lipoproteins (density = 1.019-1.063 g/ml) were isolated in 10 subjects with type V hyperlipoproteinemia by ultracentrifugation in a zonal rotor under rate flotation conditions. Plasma LDL concentrations in these patients were extremely reduced, as well as being heterogeneous, and two different subclasses consisting of LDL2 (density = 1.019-1.045 g/ml) and LDL3 (density = 1.045-1.063 g/ml) were observed. LDL2 and LDL3 have similar electrophoretic mobilities in beta position in agarose gel, and their diameters, calculated from gel filtration studies, were inversely proportional to their densities. LDL2 and LDL3 have a mean hydrated density of 1.034 and 1.054 g/ml, respectively. In comparison with normal LDL2, the LDL2 and LDL3 of hypertriglyceridemic subjects are particularly rich in triacylglycerols and poor in cholesteryl esters and free cholesterol, while they have an increasing amount of proteins. The protein moiety is composed almost exclusively of apolipoprotein B-100 in IDL, LDL2 and LDL3 ; in addition, IDL also contain apolipoprotein C peptides. This characterization of LDL heterogeneity in type V hyperlipoproteinemia should be considered in interpreting kinetic data in human normal and pathological lipid metabolism and in evaluating the atherogenic risk of hypertriglyceridemia.

Adult↗

Apolipoprotein C-II deficiency. The role of apolipoprotein C-II in the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins.

Kinetic studies were performed incubating lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triacylglycerol lipase from human postheparin plasma with triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins from two patients with apolipoprotein C-II deficiency. These lipoproteins differed in their lipid and apolipoprotein composition from normal very-low-density lipoproteins and chylomicrons. The addition of isolated apolipoprotein C-II and normal or apolipoprotein C-II-deficient high-density lipoproteins caused an increase of Vmax and a decrease of the Km for lipoprotein lipase-induced hydrolysis. Hepatic triacylglycerol lipase activity was not influenced by the presence of apolipoprotein C-II in the incubation medium, but was inhibited by increasing amounts of high-density lipoproteins. Binding studies were performed in order to analyze the interactions between lipolytic enzymes, apolipoprotein C-II, and triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins. Apolipoprotein C-II was, as expected, rapidly taken up by apolipoprotein C-II-deficient very-low-density lipoproteins and chylomicrons when they were incubated with normal high-density lipoproteins or with the purified apolipoprotein. This uptake was inhibited by the addition of increasing amounts of lipoprotein lipase in conditions in which no lipolysis could occur. Binding of lipoprotein lipase to apolipoprotein C-II-deficient very-low-density lipoproteins or chylomicrons was not affected by the addition of apolipoprotein C-II when an excess of triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein was present. The stability of lipoprotein lipase was also studied. Apolipoprotein C-II and high-density lipoproteins were unable to prolong the half-life of the enzyme activity, while triacylglycerol-rich particles effectively stabilized lipoprotein lipase. We conclude that binding of lipoprotein lipase to the substrate surface is not affected by apolipoprotein C-II. It is more likely that the peptide catalyzes the conversion of lipoprotein lipase from a less to a more active form.

Adult↗

Evaluation of HDL2 and HDL3 cholesterol by a precipitation procedure in a normal population and in different hyperlipidemic phenotypes.

Gidez et al described a double precipitation method with polyanions to separate high density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions, using sodium heparin to precipitate very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) first, and dextran sulphate 15000 to precipitate HDL2 from total HDL afterwards. This method has shown a very good correlation with the data from the analytical and preparative ultracentrifuge. The aim of this work is to use this method to analyse HDL2 and HLD3 levels in a population living in our district. We studied 163 subjects considered as 'normal' on the basis of anamnestic and clinical evaluation and routine analysis and 47 subjects with familial hyperlipoproteinemia (types IIa, IIb, and IV). The results obtained confirmed both the difference in HDL and particularly HDL2 levels between the sexes which other authors had observed with reference methods, and the significant negative correlation between plasma triglycerides and HDL2 levels. This method may be applied easily, is rather cheap and, therefore, may be used more often in future.

Adult↗

Familial apolipoprotein CII deficiency: a preliminary analysis of the gene defect in two independent families.

We have used a cDNA clone for human apolipoprotein CII (apo CII) to study the apo CII genes in two independent individuals with familial apo CII deficiency. With all the restriction enzymes so far used, gene fragments hybridising with apo CII cDNA are observed that are indistinguishable from normal samples. This demonstrates that in neither of these individuals is the defect due to a major deletion of DNA in or around the apo CII gene. We have used a common polymorphism of the apo CII gene detected with the enzyme TaqI to follow the inheritance of the gene in the families of these apo CII deficient individuals. The pattern of inheritance that we observe is consistent with the defect causing apo CII deficiency being in, or closely linked to the apo CII structural gene.

Apolipoprotein C-II↗

The plasma lipoproteins in familial chylomicronemia. Analysis by zonal ultracentrifugation.

Familial chylomicronemia is a rare genetic disorder attributable to the absence of lipoprotein lipase activity or the absence of apo-CII, i.e., the cofactor for the same enzyme. Plasma lipoproteins were analyzed by zonal ultracentrifugation under rate flotation conditions in four patients with lipoprotein lipase deficiency and two patients with apo-CII deficiency. Lipoproteins of density less than 1.006 gm/ml, and particularly lipoproteins with Sf greater than 100, were present in very high concentrations. Low levels of density greater than 1.006 gm/ml lipoproteins were observed. This fraction was composed of some different and discrete lipoprotein populations: intermediate-density lipoproteins (in three of six patients, density = 1.006 to 1.019 gm/ml); low-density lipoprotein LDL2 (in all patients, density = 1.019 to 1.045 gm/ml); low-density lipoprotein LDL3 (in all patients, density = 1.045 to 1.063 gm/ml); high-density lipoprotein HDL2 (in four of six patients); and high-density lipoproteins HDL3 (in all patients). LDL3 was never observed in normal participants by means of zonal ultracentrifugation; this subclass of low-density lipoproteins seems to correspond to LDL particles of very low Sf (2 to 5) previously identified by analytical ultracentrifugation in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. LDL3 was isolated by means of zonal ultracentrifugation as a single and discrete peak in all patients. Lipoproteins of density greater than 1.006 gm/ml were rich in triglycerides and poor in cholesterol in comparison with normal lipoproteins. The heterogeneity of low-density lipoproteins (particularly the appearance of LDL3), low levels of total high-density lipoproteins, and lower HDL3 flotation rate than normal are typical aspects of serum lipoproteins in these patients. No significant differences in the lipoprotein profiles of the patients with lipoprotein lipase deficiency in comparison with patients with apo-CII deficiency were found. In both groups of patients, the plasma lipoproteins profile and the altered lipoprotein composition could be related to the impaired catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins caused by the absence of lipoprotein lipase activity.

Apolipoprotein C-II↗

Characterization of hyperlipidemia in two patients with analbuminemia.

The results of plasma lipid and lipoprotein analysis in two related patients, brother (R.U.) and sister (R.R.) with analbuminemia, and three first-degree relatives (parents and sister) are reported. Both patients showed a remarkable increase in cholesterol and phospholipid levels, and there was a corresponding increase in serum apo B and apo A-I. This hyperlipidemia is due to a selective increase in LDL and HDL concentrations. R.U. showed an increase in both HDL2- and HDL3-cholesterol, R.R. only in HDL3-cholesterol. VLDL concentration was reduced in R.U. and normal in R.R. The plasma lipoprotein electrophoretic pattern did not correspond to any of the phenotypes in Fredrickson's classification. Composition of the different lipoprotein fractions was normal in the patients and family members. Serum FFA level in R.R. was very low. An increase in the plasma protein fractions, particularly the transport fractions, was confirmed in both patients. The possible pathophysiology of the hypercholesterolemia in these patients is discussed. Unlike other reported cases, clinical signs of atherosclerotic complications were absent.

Adult↗

The role of dopaminergic receptors in the behavioral effects induced by lisuride in male rats.

Lisuride increased the incidence of stretching and yawning (SY) as well as of penile erection (PE) and elicited stereotyped behavior (SB), aggressive behavior and mounting in male rats, depending on the dose used. SY was prevented by two dopaminergic antagonists, haloperidol and sulpiride, but not by methysergide, a serotoninergic antagonist, while PE was antagonized by all three drugs. With regard to SB, aggressive behavior and mounting, all three were suppressed by haloperidol; sulpiride, while partially antagonizing aggressiveness, failed to affect SB and mounting; methysergide did not significantly influence any of the three. This suggests that lisuride principally affects the dopaminergic system. Although further detailed studies are required to elucidate which type of the complex population of DA-receptors is involved in each kind of behavior, we suggest that SY at least is due to the activation by lisuride of presynaptic DA-receptors.

Aggression↗

Familial lipoprotein lipase and apolipoprotein C-II deficiency. Lipoprotein and apoprotein analysis, adipose tissue and hepatic lipoprotein lipase levels in seven patients and their first degree relatives.

Plasma lipids, lipoproteins, tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (H-TGL) were studied in 7 patients with familial hyperchylomicronemia from four different families. Their first-degree relative were also studied. The patients were heterogeneous for the genetic defect; LPL activity was absent in five patients (LPL deficiency) but normal in two. However, these two did not have apo C-II, the physiological activator of LPL (C-II deficiency). There were no significant differences in the clinical picture between patients with LPL deficiency and C-II deficiency. In both mutants, marked hypertriglyceridemia was due to an accumulation of lipoproteins of density less than 1.006 g/ml. The LDL fraction was very reduced and abnormal in composition, presenting a CH/TG ratio of 0.5. The plasma apolipoprotein B (apo B) level was low (67 +/- 5.5 mg/dl) and was transported mainly in the VLDL fraction (26 +/- 3.2 mg/dl) rather than in the LDL fraction (15 +/- 1.4 mg/dl). Very low levels of cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I in HDL subfractions HDL2 and HDL3 were also recorded. Only 3 out of the 24 first-degree relatives of patients with LPL deficiency showed even a small increase in plasma triglycerides, but 15 had low or low to normal LPL values. H-TGL levels were normal in all subjects. The 4 first-degree relatives of C-II deficiency patients showed normal levels of plasma lipids. LPL and H-TGL, and 2 children of 1 patient showed normal distribution of apo C peptides in their VLDL. A block in chylomicron catabolism, due to the absence of LPL or apo C-II, may lead to a massive accumulation of lipoproteins with a density less than 1.006 g/ml, and a drastic reduction in the LDL and HDL fractions. Low LPL values in the first-degree relatives of LPL deficiency patients might represent a biochemical marker for healthy carriers of LPL deficiency.

Adipose Tissue↗

Metabolic abnormalities in multiple symmetric lipomatosis: elevated lipoprotein lipase activity in adipose tissue with hyperalphalipoproteinemia.

Lipoprotein lipase activity in lipomatous tissue, post-heparin lipoprotein lipase activity in plasma, and the composition and concentration of serum lipoproteins were studied in 15 patients with Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis (MSL). Extremely elevated lipoprotein lipase activity in adipose tissue was found in MSL patients. Total and hepatic post-heparin plasma lipolytic activity was normal, while a moderate but statistically significant increase of extrahepatic lipolytic activity was present. An abnormal composition of serum lipoproteins, characterized by a significant increase in high density lipoproteins, namely HDL2 subfraction, and apoprotein A-I, was demonstrated. A concomitant decrease in and abnormal composition of low density lipoproteins were found. This lipoprotein pattern is consistent with a newly recognized type of hyperalphalipoproteinemia. Significant correlations were found between serum HDL2 cholesterol values and lipoprotein lipase activity in adipose tissue (as well as between serum VLDL-triglyceride and HDL2 cholesterol values). These observations confirm the role of adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase in triglyceride-rich lipoprotein catabolism. The elevated levels of lipoprotein lipase activity in adipose tissue, in addition to a previously demonstrated decrease in adrenergic-stimulated lipid mobilization, could account for both the abnormal fat accumulation in lipomatous fat cell and for hyperalphalipoproteinemia in MSL patients. The occurrence of MSL in two brothers suggests an inherited enzymatic defect, indicating MSL as a "triglyceride storage disease in adipose tissue".

Adipose Tissue↗

Potentiation of the aphrodisiac effect of N-n-propyl-norapomorphine by naloxone.

N-n-Propyl-norapomorphine (NPA), a potent dopamine (DA) receptor stimulant, in doses from 0.4 to 80 micrograms/kg i.p. produced a dose-related sexual stimulant effect characterized by recurrent episodes of penile erection (PE). The number of episodes and percentage of responding subjects were proportional to the dose. However, above the maximal effective dose, the effect decreased in a dose-related fashion until beyond 2.5 mg/kg even the natural occurrence of PE was suppressed. Morphine (5 mg/kg), as well as haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg), prevented NPA stimulation. Naloxone, which per se caused a modest increase in PE, markedly potentiated the stimulant effect of low doses of NPA, reversing the inhibitory component of higher doses. We suggest that NPA stimulation of DNA receptors causes release of opiate peptides, dampening the sexual stimulant response. The combination of DA receptor stimulants with naloxone might offer a new possibility for erection defect therapy.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Influence of lisuride on morphine withdrawal signs in the rat: a dopamine-mimetic effect.

The influence of lisuride on naloxone-induced withdrawal signs (wet shakes, escape attempts) was studied in morphine-dependent rats. Lisuride, injected IP at doses of 12.5 and 25 micrograms/kg, inhibited wet shakes while not significantly altering escape attempts induced by naloxone (4 mg/kg IP). At higher doses (50 and 100 micrograms/kg IP), lisuride's inhibitory effect on wet shakes persisted while escape attempts were actually potentiated with respect to control withdrawal rats. Increases in aggressive behavior were seen at all doses, and were dose-related. Haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg IP), administered 40 min before lisuride, did not modify the antagonistic effect on wet shakes, unlike sulpiride (40 mg/kg IP 30 min before lisuride), but at the same time blocked the increase in escape attempts and aggressiveness induced by lisuride. We suggest that lisuride modulates withdrawal signs by stimulation of dopamine receptors in the CNS. The effect of the dopamine mimetic N-n-propylnorapomorphine (NPA) on the same variables is reported as well as the influence of haloperidol on NPA, and a comparison between the effects of the two drugs is made.

Aggression↗

Influence of 2,4-tetra-O-methyl-furfurylidene-sorbitol (MSF) on carrageenan-induced inflammation and anti-inflammatory and toxic effects of indomethacin in rats.

The influence of the free radical scavenger 2,4-tetra-O-methyl-furfurylidene-sorbitol (MSF) on the carrageenan-induced hind-paw inflammation in rats as well as its influence on the anti-inflammatory and toxic activities of indomethacin is evaluated in comparison with thiola, thioctic acid, silymarin, reduced glutathione and propylgallate. MSF has been previously shown to prevent, in rats, the liver damaging effects of CCl4, ethionine, allylic alcohol and amanita phalloides row extracts. MSF, but not the other scavengers, exhibits moderate anti-inflammatory properties and markedly potentiates the anti-inflammatory activity indomethacin. Further MSF, but not the other scavengers, reduces some expressions of indomethacin toxicity such as gastric mucosal damage, intestinal hemorrhage and peritoneal fluid accumulation and ensuing death. Since MSF shares a number of pharmacological properties with vitamin E, which also increases indomethacin anti-inflammatory activity while reducing indomethacin toxicity, it is suggested that MSF has this for its vitamin E-like activity perhaps as a result of altering the arachidonic acid cascade.

Animals↗

Role of brain dopaminergic mechanisms in rodent aggressive behavior: influence of (+/-)N-n-propyl-norapomorphine on three experimental models.

(+/-)N-n-Propyl-norapomorphine (NPA), a potent agonist of brain dopamine receptors, influences aggressive behavior, but the type of influence depends on the experimental conditions. In rats, NPA increases aggression elicited by electrical foot shock, but decreases predatory aggression against turtles as well as isolation-induced aggression in male mice. NPA proves more potent than apomorphine in both the foot shock and predatory test. A per se ineffective dose of haloperidol (0.05 mg/kg-1 IP) antagonizes NPA in the rat foot shock test as well as in the isolated male mouse test. The relevance of stereotyped movements for NPA influence on aggressive behavior is briefly discussed.

Aggression↗