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T M Forte

Publications and source records attributed to T M Forte.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Secretion of apolipoprotein A-I in lipoprotein particles following transfection of the human apolipoprotein A-I gene into 3T3 cells.

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major protein constituent of plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL). To examine apoA-I processing and secretion, the human apoA-I gene (2.2-kilobase PstI-PstI fragment) linked to the mouse metallothionein promoter was transfected by electroporation into NIH 3T3 fibroblasts along with the plasmid pSV2 neo, which confers neomycin resistance. Transfected cells were selected for neomycin resistance and screened for the ability to produce apoA-I by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the absence of lipids in the medium, selected 3T3 cells secreted apoA-I, mainly in the proprotein form, at density greater than 1.25 g/ml. Following incubation of cells with lipids, and subsequent washing with lipid-free medium, apoA-I was recovered in the HDL region (1.063-1.21 g/ml) as well as in the 1.21 g/ml infranatant. Examination of the HDL fraction by electron microscopy revealed round particles, 10-21 nm in diameter. These data indicate that human apoA-I secreted by transfected 3T3 fibroblasts can assemble into lipoprotein particles under the appropriate conditions.

Animals↗

A novel cell line (Caco-2) for the study of intestinal lipoprotein synthesis.

Lipoprotein synthesis by the colonic adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 was investigated to assess the utility of this cell line as a model for the in vitro study of human intestinal lipid metabolism. Electron micrographic analysis of conditioned medium revealed that under basal conditions of culture post-confluent Caco-2 cells synthesize and secrete lipoprotein particles. Lipoproteins of density (d) less than 1.063 g/ml consist of a heterogeneous population of particles (diameter from 10 to 90 nm). This fraction consists of very low density lipoproteins (d less than 1.006 g/ml) and low density lipoproteins (d = 1.019-1.063 g/ml). Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of [35S]methionine-labeled Caco-2 lipoproteins revealed that very low density lipoproteins contain apolipoprotein E (apoE) and C apolipoproteins, while low density lipoproteins contained apoB-100, apoE, apoA-I, and C apolipoproteins. The 1.063-1.21 g/ml density fraction contained two morphological entities, discoidal (diameter 15.6 +/- 3.9 nm) and round high density lipoprotein particles (diameter 10.2 +/- 2.3 nm). The high density lipoproteins contained apoA-I, apoB-100, apoB-48, apoE, and the C apolipoproteins. Using isoelectric focusing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis newly secreted apoA-I was identified as pro-apoA-I. ApoE and apoC-III released by Caco-2 cells were highly sialylated. mRNA species for apoA-I, apoC-III, and apoE, but not apoA-IV were identified by Northern blot analysis. ApoA-I, apoB, and apoE were visualized in Caco-2 cells by immunolocalization analysis. This intestinal cell line may be useful for in vitro studies of nutritional and hormonal regulation of lipoprotein synthesis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Pathways in the formation of human plasma high density lipoprotein subpopulations containing apolipoprotein A-I without apolipoprotein A-II.

The lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT)-induced transformation of two discrete species of model complexes that differ in number of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) molecules per particle was investigated. One complex species (designated 3A-I(UC)-complexes) contained 3 apoA-I per particle, was discoidal (13.5 X 4.4 nm), and had a molar composition of 22:78:1 (unesterified cholesterol (UC):egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (egg yolk PC):apoA-I). The other complex species (designated 2A-I(UC)complexes) containing 2 apoA-I per particle was also discoidal (8.4 X 4.1 nm) and had a molar composition of 6:40:1. Transformation of 3A-I(UC)complexes by partially purified LCAT yielded a product (24 hr, 37 degrees C) with a cholesteryl ester (CE) core, 3 apoA-I, and a mean diameter of 9.2 nm. The 2A-I(UC)complexes were only partially transformed to a core-containing product (24 hr, 37 degrees C) which also had 3 apoA-I; this product, however, was smaller (diameter of 8.5 nm) than the product from 3A-I(UC)complexes. Transformation of 3A-I(UC)complexes appeared to result from build-up of core CE directly within the precursor complex. Transformation of 2A-I(UC)complexes, however, followed a stepwise pathway to the product with 3 apoA-I, apparently involving fusion of transforming precursors and release of one apoA-I from the fusion product. In the presence of low density lipoprotein (LDL), used as a source of additional cholesterol, conversion of 2A-I(UC)complexes to the product with 3 apoA-I was more extensive. The transformation product of 3A-I(UC)complexes in the presence of LDL also had 3 apoA-I but was considerably smaller in size (8.6 vs. 9.2 nm, diameter) and had a twofold lower molar content of PC compared with the product formed without LDL. LDL appeared to act both as a donor of UC and an acceptor of PC. Transformation products with 3 apoA-I obtained under the various experimental conditions in the present studies appear to be constrained in core CE content (between 13 to 22 CE per apoA-I; range of 9 CE molecules) but relatively flexible in content of surface PC molecules they can accommodate (between 24 to 49 PC per apoA-I; range of 25 PC molecules). The properties of the core-containing products with 3 apoA-I compare closely with those of the major subpopulation of human plasma HDL in the size range of 8.2-8.8 nm that contains the molecular weight equivalent of 3 apoA-I molecules.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗

Familial apolipoprotein E deficiency.

A unique kindred with premature cardiovascular disease, tubo-eruptive xanthomas, and type III hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) associated with familial apolipoprotein (apo) E deficiency was examined. Homozygotes (n = 4) had marked increases in cholesterol-rich very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL), which could be effectively lowered with diet and medication (niacin, clofibrate). Homozygotes had only trace amounts of plasma apoE, and accumulations of apoB-48 and apoA-IV in VLDL, IDL, and low density lipoproteins. Radioiodinated VLDL apoB and apoE kinetic studies revealed that the homozygous proband had markedly retarded fractional catabolism of VLDL apoB-100, apoB-48 and plasma apoE, as well as an extremely low apoE synthesis rate as compared to normals. Obligate heterozygotes (n = 10) generally had normal plasma lipids and mean plasma apoE concentrations that were 42% of normal. The data indicate that homozygous familial apoE deficiency is a cause of type III HLP, is associated with markedly decreased apoE production, and that apoE is essential for the normal catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein constituents.

Adolescent↗

High-density lipoprotein subclass distribution and human cord blood lipid levels.

The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass distribution was examined by gradient gel electrophoresis (gge) in 154 human cord blood samples, and determinations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol levels were performed. Three distinct gge patterns were recognizable. The first pattern, termed the normal (gge) pattern, was distinguished by a prominent double peak in the (HDL2a)gge region and a pronounced peak in the (HDL3b)gge region. Minor peaks, or shoulders, were also seen in the (HDL2b)gge and (HDL3c)gge regions, and a valley was present in the (HDL3a)gge region. This pattern was associated with normal lipid levels for cord blood plasma (mean triglycerides: 30-42 mg/dl; mean total cholesterol 62-85 mg/dl; mean HDL-cholesterol: 34-41 mg/dl). The second pattern, termed the 2b(gge) pattern, contained a major peak in the (HDL2b)gge region rather than the shoulder seen in the normal (gge) pattern, while the (HDL2a)gge, (HDL3b)gge, and (HDL3c)gge regions were less pronounced. This pattern was associated with elevated total cholesterol and HDL-C levels (means 85-102 and 49-56 mg/dl, respectively). The third pattern, termed the 3b(gge) pattern, was characterized by a paucity of material in the (HDL2b)gge region, a single peak in the (HDL2a)gge region, and either a relative increase in the (HDL3b)gge region, or a simultaneous increase in both (HDL3b)gge and (HDL3c)gge. This pattern was associated with elevated triglyceride levels (means 78-88 mg/dl) and decreased HDL-C levels (means 20-30 mg/dl). Only two infants had a simultaneous elevation of triglycerides and total cholesterol and both cases exhibited the 3b(gge) pattern. Our study demonstrates that although the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the newborn are much lower than those in adults, they are the important factors associated with the HDL subclass distribution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cholesterol↗

Characterization of lipoproteins produced by the human liver cell line, Hep G2, under defined conditions.

Confluent monolayers of the human hepatoblastoma-derived cell line, Hep G2, were incubated in serum-free medium. Conditioned medium was ultracentrifugally separated into d less than 1.063 g/ml and d 1.063-1.20 g/ml fractions since very little VLDL was observed. The d less than 1.063 g/ml fraction was examined by electron microscopy; it contained particles of 24.5 +/- 2.3 nm diameter, similar in size to plasma LDL; a similar size was demonstrated by nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. These particles possessed apoB-100 only. The d less than 1.063 g/ml fraction had a lipid composition unlike that of plasma LDL; unesterified cholesterol was elevated, there was relatively little cholesteryl ester, and triglyceride was the major core lipid. The d 1.063-1.20 g/ml fraction was heterogeneous in size and morphology. Electron microscopy revealed discoidal particles (14.9 +/- 3.2 nm long axis and 4.5 +/- 0.2 nm short axis) as well as small spherical ones (7.6 +/- 1.4 nm diameter). Nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis consistently showed the presence of peaks at 13.4 11.9, 9.7, and 7.4 nm. The latter peak was conspicuous and probably corresponded to the small spherical structures seen by electron microscopy. Unlike plasma HDL, Hep G2 d 1.063-1.20 g/ml lipoproteins contained little or no stainable material in the (HDL3a)gge region by gradient gel electrophoresis. Hep G2 d 1.063-1.20 g/ml lipoproteins differed significantly in composition from their plasma counterparts; unesterified cholesterol and phospholipid were elevated and the mole ratio of unesterified cholesterol to phospholipid was 0.8. Cholesteryl ester content was extremely low. ApoA-I was the major apolipoprotein, while apoE was the next most abundant protein; small quantities of apoA-II and apoCs were also present. Immunoblot analysis of the d 1.063-1.20 g/ml fraction after gradient gel electrophoresis showed that apoE was localized in the larger pore region of the gel (apparent diameter greater than 12.2 nm); the apoA-I distribution in this fraction was very broad (7.1-12.2 nm), and included a distinct band at 7.4 nm. Immunoblotting after gradient gel electrophoresis of concentrated medium revealed that a significant fraction of apoA-I in the uncentrifuged medium was in a lipid-poor or lipid-free form. This cell line may be a useful model for investigating the metabolism of newly formed HDL.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Molecular pathways in the transformation of model discoidal lipoprotein complexes induced by lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase.

Incubation (24 h, 37 degrees C) of discoidal complexes of phosphatidylcholine and apolipoprotein A-I (molar ratio 95 +/- 10 egg yolk phosphatidylcholine-apolipoprotein A-I; 10.5 X 4.0 nm, long X short dimension; designated, class 3 complexes) with the ultracentrifugal d greater than 1.21 g/ml fraction transformed the discoidal complexes to a small product with apparent mean hydrated and nonhydrated diameter of 7.8 and 6.6 nm, respectively. Formation of the small product was associated with marked reduction in phosphatidylcholine-apolipoprotein AI molar ratio of the complexes (on average from 95:1 to 45:1). Phospholipase A2 activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase participated in the depletion process, as evidenced by production of unesterified fatty acids. In the presence of the d greater than 1.21 g/ml fraction or partially purified lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase and a source of unesterified cholesterol, the small product could be transformed to a core-containing (cholesteryl ester) round product with a hydrated and nonhydrated diameter of 8.6 and 7.5 nm, respectively. By means of cross-linking with dimethylsuberimidate, the protein moiety of the small product was shown to contain primarily two apolipoprotein A-I molecules per particle, while the large product contained three apolipoprotein A-I molecules per particle. The increase in number of apolipoprotein A-I molecules per particle during transformation of the small to the large product appeared to result from fusion of the small particles during core build-up and release of excess apolipoprotein A-I from the fusion product. The results obtained with the model complexes were consistent for the most part with recent observations (Chen, C., Applegate, K., King, W.C., Glomset, J.A., Norum, K.R. and Gjone, E. (1984) J. Lipid Res. 25, 269-282) on the transformation, by lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, of the small spherical high-density lipoproteins of patients with familial lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency.

Apolipoproteins A↗

Formation of phospholipid-rich HDL: a model for square-packing lipoprotein particles found in interstitial fluid and in abetalipoproteinemic plasma.

The major bovine HDL subfraction, fraction I-HDL, was incubated with increasing amounts of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC). HDL size, as determined by gradient gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy, increased with increasing HDL-phospholipid to DMPC mole ratios. Control fraction I-HDL were spherical, hexagonally-packing particles with a peak on gradient gel electrophoresis at 12.3 +/- 0.1 nm; at a ratio of 1:0.5, larger, mainly spherical particles with a peak at 12.9 +/- 0.08 nm were formed. At a ratio of 1:1, occasional square-shaped particles were seen by electron microscopy; by gradient gel analysis, the mean diameter of the HDL-product increased to 13.7 +/- 0.1 nm. At the 1:2 ratio, extensive domains of square-packing particles were noted; the major size peak of this product was 14.6 +/- 0.08 nm. In all incubations with DMPC, a small 9.4 +/- 0.08 nm product was formed; it was most pronounced at the 1:2 ratio. The large, less dense particles generated by incubation contained apolipoprotein A-I and small molecular weight proteins. The 9.4 nm product contained only apolipoprotein A-I. The less dense product formed during incubation at the 1:2 ratio had a decreased protein-to-lipid ratio relative to control HDL and a 2-fold increase in percent phospholipid. At a 1:2 ratio, incorporation of DMPC into fraction I-HDL results in the loss of one molecule of apolipoprotein A-I; the resultant particle is a stable phospholipid-rich and protein-poor HDL which has a square-packing geometry. These phospholipid-laden HDL are morphologically similar to lipoproteins isolated from interstitial fluid or from plasma of abetalipoproteinemic patients. Our data suggest that the unusual morphological properties of the latter biologically formed particles may be due to increases in the polar lipid contents, and concomitant decreases in surface protein.

Abetalipoproteinemia↗

Apolipoprotein B-100 deficiency. Intestinal steatosis despite apolipoprotein B-48 synthesis.

We describe a child, the issue of phenotypically normal parents, who had fat malabsorption, both intestinal and hepatic steatosis, and serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of 38 and 63 mg/dl, respectively. Lipoprotein electrophoresis, Ouchterlony double diffusion, and electron microscopy demonstrated that normal low density lipoproteins (LDL: 1.006 less than rho less than 1.063 g/ml) were absent. Lipoprotein particles in the rho less than 1.006-g/ml fraction were triglyceride rich, very large (93.2 +/- 35.1 nm), and contained the B-48 but not the B-100 apoprotein; both species of apolipoprotein (apo) B were found in the parents' lipoproteins. These chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants were present even in the patient's fasting plasma, which suggested prolonged dietary fat absorption. Plasma levels of high density lipoprotein lipids and proteins were low, and the phosphatidylcholine/sphingomyelin ratio was reduced as in typical abetalipoproteinemia. The monosialylated form of apo C-III was not identified on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which suggested that this protein was elaborated only with very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). A radioimmunoassay for apo B employing a polyclonal antisera to plasma LDL gave apparent plasma apo B levels of 0.6, 66, and 57 mg/dl in the patient and his father and mother, respectively. The displacement curve generated by the parents' VLDL and LDL did not did not differ from control lipoproteins. The patient's chylomicron-chylomicron remnant fraction displaced normal LDL over the entire radioimmunoassay range, but the efficiency of displacement was strikingly less than with B-100 containing lipoproteins. If the patient's B-48 protein is not qualitatively abnormal, these results confirm very limited immunochemical cross-reactivity between at least one major epitope on B-100 and the epitopes expressed on B-48. The apo B defect in this patient appears to be recessive. It abolishes B-100 production and may additionally limit the formation of B-48.

Adult↗

Elevated levels of apolipoprotein E in the high density lipoproteins of human cord blood plasma.

The concentrations and lipoprotein distributions of apolipoprotein E (apoE) in normal human umbilical cord blood plasma were determined. The mean plasma apoE level of 95 neonates was considerably higher than that of 49 normal adults (58.1 vs 35.8 micrograms/ml). This elevation of apoE levels was in striking contrast to the lower than adult levels of cholesterol (72 mg/dl vs 185 mg/dl), triglyceride (37.8 mg/dl vs 97.6 mg/dl), and LDL cholesterol (25 mg/dl vs 110 mg/dl) in neonatal plasma. For the group of 95 neonates, the plasma apoE concentration correlated significantly with total plasma cholesterol concentration (r = 0.60), with LDL cholesterol concentration (r = 0.27) and with HDL cholesterol concentration (r = 0.50). Among the neonates, 87% of plasma apoE was associated with a less dense subfraction of high density lipoprotein compared to a mean of 58% for 30 normal adults. Thus, for neonates, despite hypolipidemia, the absolute concentration of apoE in HDL (50 micrograms/ml) was 2.5 times that of adults (20 micrograms/ml). We speculate that the very low level of neonatal VLDL, providing limited substrate for lipolysis, may result in retarded removal of apoE from plasma and the observed high level of apoE in neonatal HDL. We hypothesize that in the fetus and neonate, as has been demonstrated in abetalipoproteinemia, apoE-rich HDL may functionally substitute for LDL in delivering cholesterol to cells.

Adult↗

Human lymphedema fluid lipoproteins: particle size, cholesterol and apolipoprotein distributions, and electron microscopic structure.

The concentration of cholesterol, apolipoproteins A-I, B, and E has been determined in lymphedema fluid from nine patients with chronic primary lymphedema. The concentrations were: 38.14 +/- 21.06 mg/dl for cholesterol, 15.6 +/- 6.17 mg/dl for apolipoprotein A-I, 7.5 +/- 2.8 mg/dl for apolipoprotein B, and 1.87 +/- 0.50 mg/dl for apolipoprotein E. These values represent 23%, 12%, 6%, and 38% of plasma concentrations, respectively. The ratio of esterified to unesterified cholesterol in lymphedema fluid was 1.46 +/- 0.45. Lipoproteins of lymphedema fluid were fractionated according to particle size by gradient gel electrophoresis and by exclusion chromatography. Gradient gel electrophoresis showed that a majority of high density lipoproteins (HDL) of lymphedema fluid were larger than ferritin (mol wt 440,000) and smaller than low density lipoproteins (LDL); several discrete subpopulations could be seen with the large HDL region. Fractionation by exclusion chromatography showed that more than 25% of apolipoprotein A-I and all of apolipoprotein E in lymphedema fluid was associated with particles larger than plasma HDL2. Apolipoprotein A-I also eluted in fractions that contained particles the size of or smaller than albumin. Isolation of lipoproteins by sequential ultracentrifugation showed that less than 25% of lymphedema fluid cholesterol was associated with apolipoprotein B. The majority of apolipoprotein A-containing lipoproteins of lymphedema fluid were less dense than those in plasma. Ultracentrifugally separated fractions of lipoproteins were examined by electron microscopy. The fraction d less than 1.019 g/ml contained little material, while fraction d 1.019-1.063 g/ml contained two types of particles: round particles 17-26 nm in diameter and square-packing particles 13-17 nm on a side. Fractions d 1.063-1.085 g/ml had extensive arrays of square-packing particles 13-14 nm in size. Fractions d 1.085-1.11 g/ml and fractions d 1.11-1.21 g/ml contained round HDL, 12-13 nm diameter and 10 nm diameter, respectively. Discoidal particles were observed infrequently.

Apolipoproteins↗

Interaction of model discoidal complexes of phosphatidylcholine and apolipoprotein A-I with plasma components. Physical and chemical properties of the transformed complexes.

Conversion of model discoidal complexes of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine and apolipoprotein A-I, upon interaction with a source of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (plasma d greater than or equal to 1.21 g/ml fraction or partially purified enzyme) and with different sources of substrate unesterified cholesterol (LDL, VLDL or cholesterol incorporated into complexes), was investigated by gradient gel electrophoresis, gel filtration, equilibrium density gradient ultracentrifugation, electron microscopy and chemical analysis. When the incubation mixture contained an inhibitor of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, discoidal complexes with mean long dimension of approximately 10.5 +/- 1.9 nm were converted (within 1 h) predominantly to small round particles and were partially depleted of their phospholipid content. Upon electrophoresis the small particles showed peak maxima within the migration intervals of the human plasma ( HDL3b ) gge and ( HDL3c ) gge subpopulations with associated particle size ranges of 7.8-8.2 and 7.2-7.8 nm, respectively. Within 1 h, in the presence of activated enzyme, the complexes were again converted in major part to the small particles. However, further incubation resulted in an apparent single-step conversion to a larger major product with peak maximum occurring within the migration intervals of the ( HDL2a ) gge and the ( HDL3a ) gge subpopulations (particle size ranges 8.8-9.8 and 8.2-8.8 nm, respectively). Formation of an apolar core was indicated by detection of cholesteryl esters in the conversion product. The form in which the substrate unesterified cholesterol was introduced did not markedly influence the size properties of the final conversion product. With VLDL as source of substrate, considerable incorporation of triacylglycerol occurred in company with a lower level of cholesteryl esters, suggesting transfer of these lipids during formation of the apolar core. Incubation of complexes with a partially purified (3000-fold) preparation of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase yielded a product similar in properties to that when the d greater than or equal to 1.21 g/ml fraction was used. Our model discoidal complexes and their conversion products exhibit properties very similar to those of potential precursors to HDL as well as of mature HDL particles. Their further investigation shows promise of providing detailed insight into the possible origin and heterogeneity of human plasma HDL.

Acyltransferases↗

Characterization of HDL and lipoproteins intermediate to LDL and HDL in the serum of pedigreed baboons fed an atherogenic diet.

A lipoprotein species with ultracentrifugal flotation rates (F0(1.20) 9-28) intermediate to high density lipoproteins (HDL, F0(1.20) 0-9) and low density lipoproteins (LDL, F0(1.20) 28-56) found in the plasma of certain pedigreed baboons fed an atherogenic diet was studied by gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE) and ultracentrifugal techniques. These lipoproteins were found to be heterogeneous in size (125-220 A) and hydrated density (1.028-1.080 g/ml). The major apolipoprotein in all density subfractions of the F0(1.20) 9-28 lipoproteins exhibited the molecular weight (2.8 X 10(4) daltons) and immunochemical properties of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). Protein corresponding to apolipoprotein E (apoE, 3.5 X 10(4) daltons) was observed primarily in the less dense subspecies of F0(1.20) 9-28 lipoproteins. Some low molecular weight (1.8 X 10(4), 1.3 X 10(4), and 1.1 X 10(4) daltons) apolipoproteins were also detected. At low serum F0(1.20) 9-28 lipoprotein concentrations, only the smaller, more dense, protein-rich species were present; at higher F0(1.20) 9-28 concentrations, the larger, less dense species were observed in addition to the small species. The HDL of pedigreed baboons in families with and without serum F0(1.20) 9-28 lipoproteins were also characterized. The HDL of both groups of progeny consisted of a similar set of 5 subpopulations designated HDL-I through HDL-V determined by GGE. HDL-I, consisting of material 100-125 A in size, was the major HDL subpopulation. ApoA-I was the major protein moiety in all HDL subpopulations; none contained apoE. Baboons in families with F0(1.20) 9-28 lipoproteins had more HLD-I (292 +/- 80 mg/dl vs. 235 +/- 55 mg/dl) and less HDL-II (86 +/- 22 mg/dl vs. 135 +/- 34 mg/dl) than baboons in families without F0(1.20) 9-28 lipoproteins; both groups showed identical total HDL concentrations (446 +/- 90 mg/dl and 444 +/- 49 mg/dl, respectively). Among those baboons in families with F0(1.20) 9-28 lipoproteins, there was an inverse correlation between F0(1.20) 9-28 concentration and total HDL, HDL-I and HDL-II concentrations, indicating a possible metabolic relationship between these HDL subpopulations and the F0(1.20) 9-28 species.

Animals↗

Receptor binding activity of high-density lipoproteins containing apoprotein E from abetalipoproteinemic and normal neonate plasma.

The receptor binding properties of lipoproteins derived from neonates and abetalipoproteinemic patients were examined. Compared to normal adults, the neonate plasma contained reduced cholesterol levels, with only 40% of the total cholesterol transported in the low-density lipoproteins (LDL). When compared at equal cholesterol concentrations, however, the total neonate lipoproteins (d less than 1.21) were as effective as adult d less than 1.21 lipoproteins in stimulating cholesteryl ester formation in cultured human fibroblasts. Analysis of the neonate lipoproteins explained their enhanced ability to deliver cholesterol to the cells via LDL (apoprotein B,E) receptors: the neonate d = 1.02-1.063 fraction contained, in addition to LDL, alpha 2-migrating, apoprotein E-rich high-density lipoproteins (HDL1), which were isolated by Geon-Pevikon electrophoresis. In binding studies performed with human fibroblasts at 4 degrees C, the neonate HDL1 were 14-fold more effective than either neonate or adult human LDL in displacing 125I-LDL from apo-B,E receptors. The neonate HDL (d = 1.063-1.21) contained a subfraction rich in apo-E and apo(E-A-II), which was isolated by heparin-Sepharose chromatography. This fraction was also active in displacing 125I-LDL from the receptors on cultured fibroblasts. Apoprotein E-containing HDL subclasses, similar to those described in the blood of neonates, were present in the d less than 1.063 and d = 1.063-1.21 lipoprotein fractions of patients with abetalipoproteinemia. These HDL with apo-E were enriched in cholesterol and were as effective as normal LDL in competing with 125I-LDL for apo-B,E receptor-mediated binding, internalization, and degradation. When incubated with cultured human fibroblasts, the HDL with apo-E from the abetalipoproteinemic subjects increased the cholesteryl ester mass three- to fourfold. These studies suggest that neonates and abetalipoproteinemic subjects may depend (at least in part) upon lipoproteins containing apo-E to deliver cholesterol to various tissues via the LDL (apo-B,E) receptor.

Abetalipoproteinemia↗

Primary hepatocytes in monolayer culture: a model for studies on lipoprotein metabolism.

Primary hepatocyte cultures are ideal models in which to investigate regulation of lipoprotein synthesis and catabolism by the liver. Not only can one regulate the physiological and nutritional state of the donor animal, but one can also manipulate the culture milieu. A possible problem that arises in prolonged incubations is the accumulation of metabolites in the culture media, which may alter the function of the cells. Studies using more novel culturing techniques such as "perifusion" may resolve this technical problem. This review indicates that caution must be used in analyzing data based on studies employing heterologous sera; additionally, closer attention should be given to the role of lipoprotein subfractions in regulating lipoprotein metabolism. It is now known that lipoprotein classes are heterogeneous with respect to metabolic origin and lipid and apolipoprotein content, hence they may have diverse physiological roles in hepatic lipid metabolism.

Animals↗

Familial apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein CIII deficiency. Subclass distribution, composition, and morphology of lipoproteins in a disorder associated with premature atherosclerosis.

Lipoprotein classes isolated from the plasma of two patients with apolipoprotein AI (apo AI) and apolipoprotein CIII (apo CIII) deficiency were characterized and compared with those of healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. The plasma triglyceride values for patients 1 and 2 were 31 and 51 mg/dl, respectively, and their cholesterol values were 130 and 122 mg/dl, respectively; the patients, however, had no measurable high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Analytic ultracentrifugation showed that patients' S degrees f 0-20 lipoproteins possess a single peak with S degrees f rates of 7.4 and 7.6 for patients 1 and 2, respectively, which is similar to that of the controls. The concentration of low density lipoprotein (LDL) (S degrees f 0-12) particles, although within normal range (331 and 343 mg/dl for patients 1 and 2, respectively), was 35% greater than that of controls. Intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) (S degrees f 20-400) were extremely low in the patients. HDL in the patients had a calculated mass of 15.4 and 11.8 mg/dl for patients 1 and 2, respectively. No HDL could be detected by analytic ultracentrifugation, but polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis (gge) revealed that patients possessed two major HDL subclasses: (HDL2b)gge at 11.0 nm and (HDL3b)gge at 7.8 nm. The major peak in the controls, (HDL3a)gge, was lacking in the patients. Gradient gel analysis of LDL indicated that patients' LDL possessed two peaks: a major one at 27 nm and a minor one at 26 nm. The electron microscopic structure of patients' lipoprotein fractions was indistinguishable from controls. Patients' HDL were spherical and contained a cholesteryl ester core, which suggests that lecithin/cholesterol acyltransferase was functional in the absence of apo AI. The effects of postprandial lipemia (100-g fat meal) were studied in patient 1. The major changes were the appearance of a 33-nm particle in the LDL density region of 1.036-1.041 g/ml and the presence of discoidal particles (12% of total particles) in the HDL region. The latter suggests that transformation of discs to spheres may be delayed in the patient. The simultaneous deficiency of apo AI and apo CIII suggests a dual defect in lipoprotein metabolism: one in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and the other in HDL. The absence of apo CIII may result in accelerated catabolism of triglyceride-rich particles and an increased rate of LDL formation. Additionally, absence of apo CIII would favor rapid uptake of apo E-containing remnants by liver and peripheral cells. Excess cellular cholesterol would not be removed by the reverse cholesterol transport mechanism since HDL levels are exceedingly low and thus premature atherosclerosis occurs.

Apolipoproteins A↗