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Biomedical subjects

M W Huff

Publications and source records attributed to M W Huff.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Beta-VLDL in hepatic lipase deficiency induces apoE-mediated cholesterol ester accumulation in macrophages.

Hepatic lipase-deficient subjects in the Ontario kindred are compound heterozygotes for hepatic lipase mutations (Ser267-->Phe and Thr383-->Met). Cholesteryl ester-rich beta-very-low-density lipoprotein (beta-VLDL) accumulates in plasma and such subjects have premature atherosclerosis. To determine a possible mechanism, we hypothesized that hepatic lipase-deficient beta-VLDL, homozygous for apolipoprotein (apo) E3, would cause cholesteryl ester accumulation and foam cell formation in macrophages. beta-VLDL and pre-beta-VLDL were isolated by Pevikon electrophoresis and incubated with J774 macrophages, cells that do not secrete apoE. beta-VLDL increased cellular cholesteryl ester content 13-fold, whereas pre-beta-VLDL increased cholesteryl ester sevenfold. beta-VLDL increased acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activity fourfold (measured as [14C]oleate incorporation into cholesteryl ester). Preincubation of hepatic lipase-deficient beta-VLDL with the anti-apoE monoclonal antibody 1D7, which inhibits binding of apoE to low-density lipoprotein receptors, inhibited cellular cholesteryl ester accumulation by 75%, whereas the anti-apoB blocking monoclonal antibody 5E11 failed to inhibit cellular cholesteryl ester accumulation. In contrast to hepatic lipase deficiency, beta-VLDL from type III subjects (E2/E2) failed to increase cellular cholesteryl ester or acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase more than 1.5-fold. Thus, hepatic lipase-deficient beta-VLDL readily induces cholesteryl ester accumulation in J774 macrophages, a process mediated by functional apoE3. This may explain the premature atherosclerosis observed in this kindred.

Apolipoproteins E↗

Effects of low dosage progestin-only administration upon plasma triglycerides and lipoprotein metabolism in postmenopausal women.

Oral administration to five postmenopausal women of dl-norgestrel (0.075 mg/d for 7 wk) reduced mean fasting plasma levels of triglycerides by 29% (P < 0.001), VLDL triglycerides by 39% (P < 0.01), and VLDL apo B by 26% (P < 0.05), while lowering mean total cholesterol by 7% (P < 0.06). To explain these observations the kinetics of VLDL and LDL apo B turnover were studied by injecting autologous 125I-labeled VLDL and 131I-labeled LDL under control conditions and again in the fourth week of a 7-wk course of dl-norgestrel. VLDL apo B pool size fell by an average of 27% (1.2 vs 1.7 mg/kg, P < 0.06) and production of apo B by 18% (18 vs 22 mg/kg per d, P < 0.05) with unchanged fractional catabolic rate. Production of LDL apo B increased 36% with dl-norgestrel (12 vs 9.4 mg/kg per d, P < 0.05), but this was compensated by a 36% increase in fractional catabolic rate of LDL apo B (0.33 vs 0.25 pools/d, P < 0.005), thereby maintaining pool size. Lipoprotein (a) fell by an average of 12% (16 vs 18 mg/dl, P < 0.06). dl-Norgestrel reduced VLDL triglycerides (40 vs 64 mg/dl, P < 0.05), intermediate density lipoprotein cholesterol (14 vs 19 mg/dl, P < 0.02), IDL apo B (5.3 vs 7.2 mg/dl, P < 0.05), and VLDL cholesterol (3.1 vs 5.1 mg/dl, 0.10 > P > 0.05), in parallel with the reductions in VLDL apo B production and pool size. dl-Norgestrel significantly lowered the production rate of VLDL apo B, thereby decreasing plasma VLDL and intermediate density lipoprotein concentrations.

Aged↗

Dietary protein restriction versus fish oil supplementation in the chronic remnant nephron model.

Dietary protein restriction and fish oil supplementation (MaxEPA) have been reported to have favourable effects on the remnant nephron model. In the present study female Munich-Wistar rats underwent 5/6 renal ablation (60 rats) or sham surgery (20 rats). The renal ablation rats were randomized one week post-surgery to receive a diet that contained either regular laboratory diet (RLD), 6% low protein diet (LPD) or 24% fish oil diet (FOD) supplementation. Mortality rates at 10 and 20 weeks post-surgery were not different amongst the RLD, LPD or FOD renal ablation cohorts. However the G.F.R. was significantly preserved in the FOD and LPD versus the RLD renal ablation rat groups. Both the LPD and FOD decreased albuminuria and gammaglobulinuria but LPD was more effective. Both dietary interventions prevented glomerulosclerosis but only LPD significantly reduced mesangial expansion. The FOD diet prevented intraglomerular fibrin formation and the LPD had no effect. The dyslipidemia noted at 20 weeks in the renal ablation group was significantly abrogated by both FOD and LPD, although only LPD prevented the heavy proteinuria. The LPD rats gained significantly less weight than the FOD and RLD cohorts. FOD exerted a significantly greater effect on blood pressure reduction than the LPD and also produced significant changes in the renal tissue phospholipids. These results indicate that protein restriction and fish oil supplementation preserve renal structure and function in the remnant nephron model but have different effects on mechanisms known to be co-factors in the progressive renal injury.

Animals↗

Evidence that cholesteryl ester and triglyceride accumulation in J774 macrophages induced by very low density lipoprotein subfractions occurs by different mechanisms.

The present investigations have examined the mechanism(s) whereby Sf 60-400 very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) from Type IV hypertriglyceridemic subjects cause cholesteryl ester and triglyceride accumulation in J774 macrophages. Both apolipoprotein (apo) E-poor and apoE-rich Type IV VLDL subfractions, isolated by heparin-Sepharose chromatography, were capable of enhancing cellular cholesterol and triglyceride content. The apoE-rich fraction was significantly more effective at inducing cholesterol esterification (P < 0.05) and accumulation of esterified cholesterol (P < 0.05), whereas both subfractions caused similar increases in cellular triglyceride content. Thus, the amount of VLDL-associated apoE determined the extent to which Type IV VLDL loaded J774 cells with cholesterol but not triglyceride. Two VLDL subfractions, Sf 60-400 and Sf 20-60, isolated from Type III subjects homozygous for apoE2, caused little or no effect on cellular esterified cholesterol content, whereas both fractions induced the same degree of cellular triglyceride accumulation as Type IV VLDL. Type IV VLDL-induced cholesteryl ester accumulation was blocked by an anti-apoE monoclonal antibody, known to block the binding of apoE to the LDL receptor; however, the increase in cellular triglyceride was unaffected. Therefore, VLDL-induced triglyceride accumulation in this cell line can occur without apoE-mediated uptake of intact VLDL particles. The addition of heparin to J774 cells resulted in a 6-fold increase in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in the media, and significantly enhanced the ability of Type IV VLDL to induce cellular triglyceride accumulation (P < 0.01), but significantly decreased cellular cholesteryl ester content (P < 0.025). Finally, Sf 60-400 VLDL from two subjects homozygous for apoC-II deficiency failed to increase cellular lipid content. However, the addition of exogenous apoC-II to C-II-deficient VLDL resulted in significant increases of both triglyceride and esterified cholesterol in J774 cells. In the presence of apoC-II, the anti-apoE monoclonal antibody blocked the cellular cholesteryl ester increase induced by C-II-deficient VLDL, but had no effect on the increase in cellular triglyceride. Collectively, these experiments demonstrate that extracellular lipolysis of Sf 60-400 VLDL by LPL is required for cholesteryl ester and triglyceride accumulation in J774 macrophages. After interaction with cellular LPL, VLDL triglycerides are hydrolyzed. The resulting free fatty acids are readily taken up by the macrophage, and re-esterified into triglyceride. Lipolysis proceeds until apoE epitopes are exposed, allowing the triglyceride-depleted remnant, containing all the cholesteryl ester, to be taken up via an apoE-mediated process.

Animals↗

Lipolysis is a prerequisite for lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells induced by large hypertriglyceridemic very low density lipoproteins.

Lipoprotein kinetic studies have demonstrated that a large proportion of Sf 60-400 very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is cleared directly from the circulation in Type IV hypertriglyceridemic subjects, at an unknown tissue site. The present studies were designed to investigate the role of hepatocytes in this process and to define the conditions, whereby Type IV Sf 60-400 VLDL would induce lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Type IV VLDL (Sf 60-400) failed to augment the total cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, or triglyceride content of HepG2 cells following 24-h incubations. Coincubation of bovine milk lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and Type IV VLDL with HepG2 cells induced a 3-fold increment in cellular esterified cholesterol mass (p less than 0.005) and a 7-fold increase in cellular triglyceride mass (p less than 0.005), compared to VLDL alone. The increased cellular lipid mass was associated with increased oleate incorporation into cellular cholesterol esters and triglycerides. Exogenous LPL hydrolyzed 76% of the VLDL triglyceride over 24 h. LPL action on Type IV VLDL was sufficient to promote cellular uptake of these lipoproteins, while elevated media-free fatty acid levels were not. Although HepG2 cells secrete apolipoprotein (apo) E, we assessed the role of VLDL-associated apoE in the lipid accumulation induced by VLDL plus LPL. ApoE-rich and apoE-poor Type IV VLDL subfractions induced similar increments in cellular esterified cholesterol in the presence of LPL, despite a 4-fold difference in apoE content. Sf 60-400 VLDL, from subjects homozygous for the defective apoE2, plus LPL, behaved identically to Type IV VLDL plus LPL. Type IV VLDL plus LPL, preincubated with anti-apoE (1D7) and apoB (5E11) monoclonal antibodies, known to block the binding of apoE and -B, respectively, to the LDL receptor failed to block lipid accumulation. In contrast, apoE-poor Type IV VLDL, apoE2 VLDL, and VLDL plus 1D7 were taken up poorly by J774 cells, cells that secrete LPL, but not apoE. These studies suggest that lipolytic remodeling of large Type IV VLDL by LPL is a prerequisite for their uptake by HepG2 cells and that HepG2 cell-secreted apoE rather than VLDL-associated apoE is the ligand involved in uptake.

Animals↗

Dietary fish oil plus lovastatin decreases both VLDL and LDL apo B production in miniature pigs.

Our previous apolipoprotein (apo) B kinetic studies of miniature pigs fed fish oil (Maxepa) demonstrated that very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) apo B concentrations were markedly reduced but that low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations were only modestly lowered because of a threefold increase in the conversion of VLDL apo B to LDL. In the present study, the effect of Maxepa plus lovastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, on apo B metabolism was assessed. Miniature pigs (n = 6) were simultaneously injected with autologous 131I-VLDL and 125I-LDL after a diet of pig chow supplemented with 30 g/day of Maxepa and again after the addition of lovastatin, 30 mg/day. Kinetic data were analyzed by compartmental analysis with use of the CONSAM program. Compared with Maxepa alone, the addition of lovastatin reduced VLDL apo B concentrations by 21% (p less than 0.003) because of reduced VLDL apo B production (26%, p less than 0.005), as the fractional clearance rate was not affected. Conversion of VLDL apo B to LDL was reduced by 48% (p less than 0.005), and the direct removal of VLDL apo B from plasma was reduced by 25% (p less than 0.01). Maxepa plus lovastatin reduced LDL apo B concentrations by 44% (p less than 0.004). This was due to a 38% (p less than 0.002) decrease in LDL production, which was primarily derived from VLDL. The LDL apo B fractional catabolic rate was not significantly changed. Thus, a combination of Maxepa and lovastatin reduces both VLDL and LDL apo B concentrations, primarily by decreasing production rates.

Animals↗

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in primary nephrotic syndrome: effects on plasma lipids and coagulopathy.

The effect of fish oil dietary supplementation on the dyslipidemia and coagulopathy of seven patients with nephrotic syndrome and hypoalbuminemia due to primary kidney disease was studied. Plasma lipids, platelet aggregation studies, simplate bleeding time, and fibrinogen levels were determined before and after 6 wk of treatment with fish oil (15 g/day of MaxEPA; 2.7 g of eicosapentenoic acid (EPA) and 1.8 g of docosahexenoic acid. Urea kinetics were determined from urine-urea concentration, urinary proteina, and urine volume. A 3-day dietary intake record was obtained from each patient before and after 6 wk of fish oil supplementation. There was no significant dietary change in protein, fat, or carbohydrate intake over the time period of the study. At study end, total triglycerides decreased from 2.98 +/- 1.31 to 2.18 +/- 1.14 mmol/L (P = 0.002), and very low-density lipoprotein-triglycerides decreased from 2.35 +/- 1.34 to 1.28 +/- 1.07 mmol/L (P = 0.01). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increased from 5.18 +/- 1.74 to 7.35 +/- 2.83 mmol/L (P = 0.005). No significant changes occurred in bleeding time, platelet count, hematocrit, red blood cell flexibility, or whole blood viscosity. Platelet aggregation responses to collagen and arachidonic acid were consistently reduced after treatment, but there was no change in platelet response to ADP. The platelet membrane phospolipids showed a significantly increased incorporation of EPA after the fish oil diet (P = 0.03).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Chronic effects of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in a rat 5/6 renal ablation model.

It has been proposed that fish oil dietary supplementation in the chronic rat 5/6 renal ablation model may be either protective or toxic. These conflicting hypotheses were tested in rats who underwent renal ablation or sham surgery. Twenty rats received sham surgery, and 40 received 5/6 renal ablation. All rats were fed a regular laboratory diet up to 1 week postsurgery. At that time, one half of the renal ablation group was provided with an isocaloric diet supplemented with 24% MaxEPA (fish oil), 1% safflower oil, and antioxidants. The renal ablation rats developed hypertension, albuminuria, gammaglobulinuria, and a decline in glomerular filtration rate, which was less in the fish oil group compared with that in the regular laboratory diet group at 10 and 20 wk postsurgery. The fish oil renal ablation rats had significantly less glomerulosclerosis than did the regular laboratory diet renal ablation animals, and no more glomerular fibrin deposition than did the sham controls. The renal ablation regular laboratory diet rats had a significant dyslipidemia at 20 wk which was prevented in the fish oil renal ablation cohort. The fish oil renal ablation rats also demonstrated a significant decline in renal tissue arachidonic acid incorporation and a concomitant increase in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid incorporation. The mortality of the renal ablation group was greater than that of the sham controls but not significantly different for the fish oil or the regular laboratory diet groups. These results support the hypothesis that the fish oil diet containing specific antioxidant, vitamin E, and essential fatty acid supplementation is protective in the rat remnant nephron model and prevents the evolution of glomerulosclerosis with associated renal functional impairment, while preserving glomerular filtration.

Animals↗

Identification and metabolic characteristics of an apolipoprotein C-II variant isolated from a hypertriglyceridemic subject.

The very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) apolipoproteins from a Type IV hypertriglyceridemic Caucasian subject (plasma TG: 645 mg/dl) and his brother (plasma TG: 328 mg/dl) were separated by isoelectric focusing gel electrophoresis (IEF) and found to contain two isoforms of apoC-II, identified by immunoblot. These corresponded to normal apoC-II-1 (isoelectric point: pI 4.88) and a variant isoform (apoC-II-v, pI 4.74). The pI of C-II-v was not altered by neuraminidase treatment, indicating that it was not sialylated. The concentration of total immunoreactive C-II in VLDL was elevated (18 mg/dl vs normal; 5.0 +/- 2 mg/dl) but similar to that in other Type IV subjects. In VLDL, which contained 90% of the plasma immunoreactive apoC-II, the ratio (by IEF) of C-II-1:C-II-v was 2:1, whereas in high density lipoproteins (HDL) the ratio was 1:1. VLDL apoB turnover was measured after the pulse injection of 125I-labeled VLDL. VLDL apoB kinetic parameters for the proband and four Type IV subjects were similar: production rate, 28 mg/kg per day versus 30 mg/kg per day; fractional catabolic rate, 1.62.day-1 versus 1.96.day-1; and pool size, 17 mg/kg versus 18 mg/kg. The decline in VLDL triglyceride (TG) after the infusion of heparin (9,000 IU over 4 h) was also similar to that observed in Type IV subjects. In VLDL, the fractional catabolic rates of apoC-II-1 and C-II-v were similar (C-II-1: 0.31.day-1, C-II-v: 0.29.day-1) whereas in HDL, although similar to each other, the rates were greater than in VLDL (C-II-1: 0.48.day-1, C-II-v: 0.44.day-1). VLDL and HDL from the proband were normal in their ability to activate bovine skim milk lipase, compared to Type IV VLDL and HDL without C-II-v. Purified apoC-II-1 and apoC-II-v activated the milk lipase to a similar extent (at 1 microgram of C-II; C-II-1: 34 units/h, C-II-v: 35 units/h). Thus, apoC-II-v is a newly recognized isoform of apoC-II-1. It remains to be determined whether this mutation plays a role in the genesis of hypertriglyceridemia.

Adult↗

Turnover of 125I-VLDL and 131I-LDL apolipoprotein B in rabbits fed diets containing casein or soy protein.

Rabbits fed low-fat, cholesterol-free, semi-purified diets containing casein developed a marked hypercholesterolemia compared to rabbits fed a similar diet containing soy protein (plasma cholesterol 281 +/- 31 vs. 86 +/- 9 mg/dl; P less than 0.05). Turnover studies (three per dietary group) were carried out in which homologous 125I-labeled VLDL and 131I-labeled LDL were injected simultaneously into casein- (n = 8) or soy protein- (n = 9) fed rabbits. ApoB-specific activities were determined in VLDL, IDL and LDL isolated from the pooled plasma of two or three rabbits per dietary group. The production rate of VLDL apoB (1.20 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.09 +/- 0.1 mg/h per kg) was similar for the two dietary groups. The fractional catabolic rate of VLDL apoB was lower for the casein group (0.15 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.23 +/- 0.01.h-1; 0.05 less than P less than 0.10). Although the pool size of VLDL apoB was higher in the casein group (8 +/- 2 vs. 5 +/- 0.3 mg/kg), this value did not reach statistical significance. For LDL apoB, the increased pool size in casein-fed rabbits (30 +/- 5 vs. 5 +/- 1 mg/kg; P less than 0.01) was associated with a decreased fractional catabolic rate (0.03 +/- 0.005 vs. 0.08 +/- 0.008.h-1; P less than 0.01) and a 2-fold increase in the production rate of LDL apoB (1 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.4 +/- 0.06 mg/kg per h; 0.05 less than P less than 0.10) compared to rabbits fed soy protein. Analysis of precursor-product relationships between the various lipoprotein fractions showed that casein-fed rabbits synthesized a higher proportion of LDL apoB (95% +/- 2 vs. 67% +/- 2; P less than 0.001) independent of VLDL catabolism. These results support the concept that the hypercholesterolemia in casein-fed rabbits is associated with impaired LDL removal consistent with a down-regulation of LDL receptors. These changes do not occur when the casein is replaced by soy protein.

Animals↗

Regulation of low density lipoprotein apoprotein B metabolism by lovastatin and cholestyramine in miniature pigs: effects on LDL composition and synthesis of LDL subfractions.

A major factor in the regulation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) apoprotein B (apo B) concentrations in miniature pigs is the direct synthesis of LDL apo B. LDL apo B derived from plasma very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) accounts for only 20% to 30% of total LDL synthesis. Treatment with lovastatin and cholestyramine can inhibit the direct synthesis pathway in this species, thereby lowering LDL apo B concentrations. The present study was carried out to determine if lovastatin alone was as effective as in combination with cholestyramine. The possibility that the direct synthesis pathway was confined to a specific subclass of LDL and the effect of lovastatin and cholestyramine on the metabolism of LDL subfractions were also investigated. Homologous 125I-VLDL and 131I-LDL were injected into miniature pigs during a control period and again following 18 days of treatment with lovastatin (1.2 mg/kg/d, n = 4) or in combination with cholestyramine (1.0 g/kg/d, n = 4). Kinetic analysis of apo B specific activity curves following lovastatin treatment indicated that LDL apo B pool size was decreased by 25% (P less than .025), which was due entirely to a 70% (P less than .025) decrease in the direct synthesis of LDL apo B, since VLDL-derived apo B, and LDL fractional catabolic rate (FCR) were not affected. Parameters of VLDL apo B metabolism were not affected. Lovastatin in combination with cholestyramine was more effective than lovastatin alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplementation in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The effect of dietary fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids--eicosapentenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] on several mechanisms involved in immune, inflammatory and atherosclerotic vascular disease was determined in 12 subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and nephritis. These out-patients supplemented their usual diet for five weeks with daily doses of 6 g of fish oil, followed by a five-week washout period, then five weeks of 18 g of fish oil daily. The platelet EPA content rose six-fold with the lower and 15-fold with the higher dose of fish oil, and similar changes occurred to the platelet DHA content. The platelet arachidonic acid incorporation was reduced by 16 and 20%, respectively. These changes were associated with a reduction in collagen-induced platelet aggregation and an increase in red cell flexibility and a decrease in whole blood viscosity. Prostacyclin (PGI2) production was unaffected by the fish oil, but PGI3 formation correlated with its administration and dosage. Neutrophil leukotriene B4 release was reduced 78 and 42%, respectively, by the low and higher doses of fish oil. The higher fish oil dose induced a 38% decrease in triglyceride and a 39% reduction in VLDL cholesterol associated with a 28% rise in HDL, cholesterol. The fish oil had no effect on immune complex or anti-DNA antibody titer, albuminuria, intraplatelet serotonin or [14C]-serotonin release from platelets. We conclude that in patients with lupus nephritis, dietary supplementation with fish oil affects the mechanisms involved in inflammatory and atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Adult↗

Effects of combined estrogen and progestin administration on plasma lipoprotein metabolism in postmenopausal women.

Treatment of postmenopausal women with low doses of estradiol-17 beta (1 mg/d) and dl-norgestrel (0.075 [corrected] mg/d) significantly reduced fasting serum levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and lowered very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides in four of five subjects. To explain these results, the kinetics of VLDL and LDL apolipoprotein (apo) B turnover were studied by injecting autologous 125I-labeled VLDL and 131I-labeled LDL into subjects before discontinuing long-term (4-yr) treatment with the estradiol-17 beta and dl-norgestrel and again 7 wk after stopping treatment. The 24% mean decrease in VLDL apo B pool size during treatment was associated with a significant increase in VLDL apo B fractional catabolic rate (15 +/- 1 vs. 11 +/- 1 pools/d), whereas production rate was similar to control (24 +/- 3 vs. 21 +/- 2 mg/kg per d). There was a significant 25% mean decrease in LDL apo B pool size (27 +/- 2 vs. 36 +/- 3 mg/kg) due to a significant decrease in total (8.3 +/- 0.3 vs. 11 +/- 1 mg/kg per d) and independent (3.3 +/- 0.5 vs. 6.6 +/- 0.8 mg/kg per d, P less than 0.05) LDL apo B production. Estradiol-17 beta together with dl-norgestrel lowered plasma VLDL by enhancing their clearance and LDL by reducing their production.

Apolipoproteins B↗

Accumulation of an apoE-poor subfraction of very low density lipoprotein in hypertriglyceridemic men.

Studies were undertaken to investigate the mechanism of the marked accumulation of an apoE-poor very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) subfraction in untreated Type IV and IIb hypertriglyceridemic subjects. Heparin-Sepharose chromatography was used to separate large VLDL (Sf 60-400) from fasted subjects, into an apoE-poor, unbound fraction and an apoE-rich, bound fraction. As a percent of total VLDL protein, the apoE-poor fraction comprised 40 +/- 4% of total VLDL in hypertriglyceridemic subjects versus 25% in normal subjects. Compared to the apoE-rich, bound fraction, this apoE-poor material was found to have a 5-fold lower ratio of apoE to apoC (0.20 +/- 0.06 vs 0.91 +/- 0.18, P less than 0.005), but a 1.5-fold higher ratio of triglyceride to protein (11.41 +/- 0.85 vs 7.97 +/- 0.77, P less than 0.01). In addition, the apoE-poor fraction was found to be enriched 2-fold in apoB-48 (10.30 +/- 2.41% vs 5.73 +/- 1.59% of total apoB, P less than 0.005) compared to the apoE-rich fraction, suggesting that the apoE-poor fraction contains more chylomicron remnants. The amount of this apoE-poor VLDL was markedly reduced following a reduction in VLDL triglyceride levels (a decrease from 40 +/- 4% to 21 +/- 2% of VLDL protein following a 50% reduction in VLDL triglyceride levels). The large VLDL from Type I, III, and V hyperlipoproteinemic subjects subfractionated using heparin-Sepharose showed an equal distribution of apoE between the two fractions in contrast with the Type IV and IIb subjects. The separation of VLDL from Type I, III, and V subjects using heparin-Sepharose involves a mechanism other than apoE binding. Separation in the latter likely results from apoB-100 binding to heparin, as opposed to apoE binding of VLDL from Type IV and IIb subjects.

Apolipoproteins E↗

The role of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of myotonic muscular dystrophy.

A study of glucose, insulin, lipids and lipoproteins in myotonic dystrophy (MyD) has shown elevation of fasting plasma insulin, triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) but no significant difference from normal in the fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol or low and high density lipoproteins. Elevation of the total triglyceride and VLDL levels showed a direct relationship to hyperinsulinaemia. Insulin binding to cultured MyD fibroblasts under optimal conditions was significantly reduced but there was no difference in receptor affinity between MyD and control cells. In contrast to insulin binding, LDL binding to MyD fibroblasts was normal although there was a tendency to reduced LDL binding at 37 degrees C that may reflect mildly reduced lipid metabolism. The alterations in lipids and insulin in MyD are compatible with insulin resistance. Laboratory and clinical findings in MyD were compared with other inherited insulin-resistant diseases. MyD showed marked similarity to a group of disorders that have mild insulin resistance and mildly elevated plasma insulin in contrast to others with severe hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. It is suggested that at least some clinical features of MyD may be due to diminished overall effect of insulin or other trophic factors on cell metabolism.

Adolescent↗

Separation and isolation of human apolipoproteins C-II, C-III0, C-III1, and C-III2 by chromatofocusing on the Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography system.

Chromatofocusing, which separates proteins based on differences in isoelectric point, has been used on the Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) system (Pharmacia) to separate the C apolipoproteins from human very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Using a Mono P column (Pharmacia), a pH gradient between pH 6.2 and pH 4.0 was generated using buffers containing 6 M urea, at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Typically, runs took approximately 45 min. Chromatofocusing of delipidated whole VLDL produced sharp, well-resolved peaks for the C apolipoproteins. However, as determined by analytical isoelectric focusing (IEF), the apolipoprotein E isoforms were not separated from apoC-II, and they contaminated the other apoC species to a variable extent. In addition, apoC-II was not resolved from apoC-III0. Preliminary precipitation of VLDL with acetone prior to delipidation removed both apolipoproteins E and B. Using a start buffer of 25 mM histidine, pH 6.2, and a 1:30 dilution of the polybuffer exchanger (eluting buffer), apoC-II, C-III0, C-III1, and C-III2 were well resolved in run-times of approximately 60 min. The C apoproteins proved to be pure by analytical IEF and immunoassay with monospecific antisera against apoC-II and C-III. Recovery was over 90% of the protein chromatographed. In addition, a variant of apoC-II present in VLDL of a hypertriglyceridemic subject was clearly resolved from the other C apolipoproteins. This technique is superior to conventional methodology in terms of its time saving and high resolution. The application of this technique to the study of C apolipoprotein variants and C apolipoprotein specific radioactivity determinations is possible.

Acetone↗