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Changes in plasma lipoproteins and tissue lipoprotein lipase and salt-resistant lipase activities during spawning in the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii R.).

1. Lipoprotein lipase and salt-resistant lipase activities increased in the ovaries but decreased in the adipose tissue of female trout in the months leading up to spawning. 2. The activity of the plasma cholesterol esterifying enzyme increased significantly immediately prior to spawning. 3. Plasma lipoprotein concentrations decreased during the approach to spawning. 4. These studies suggest that the developing ovaries in the trout receive their nutrients by lipolysis of plasma lipoproteins as well as by vitellogenin uptake; differentiation of the roles of the lipid stores in different tissues is proposed.

Adipose Tissue↗

Effect of dietary cholesterol on the lipoprotein profile and binding of radioiodinated lipoproteins to hepatic membranes in the cockerel (Gallus domesticus).

1. Cockerels fed a cholesterol-supplemented diet experienced a marked elevation of lipoprotein particles of density less than or equal to 1.006 g/ml (VLDL) and a diminution of lipoprotein particles of density 1.02-1.05 g/ml (LDL). 2. Unlike VLDL of some cholesterol-fed animals, cholesterol-fed cockerel VLDL did not display beta-mobility on agarose gel electrophoresis. 3. [125I]LDL and [125I]HDL binding to cockerel liver membranes was not affected by cholesterol feeding. 4. Different lipoprotein types appear to bind to a common site on cockerel liver membranes. 5. The results suggest that liver cells of cockerels may not possess LDL binding sites that are analogous to those of mammalian species.

Animals↗

Human genes involved in lipolysis of plasma lipoproteins: mapping of loci for lipoprotein lipase to 8p22 and hepatic lipase to 15q21.

We have used cDNA probes for lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase to determine the chromosomal and subchromosomal locations of the human genes for these lipolytic enzymes. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from 17 independent mouse-human somatic cell hybrids demonstrated the presence of the gene for human lipoprotein lipase on chromosome 8, whereas the gene for hepatic lipase was on chromosome 15. Regional mapping of the genes by in situ hybridization to human chromosomes indicated that the lipoprotein lipase gene (LPL) resides in the p22 region of chromosome 8, while hepatic lipase gene (HL) resides in the q21 region of chromosome 15. We previously reported, on the basis of nucleotide and amino acid homologies, that these genes are members of a gene family of lipases, and, thus, the present findings indicate that the members of this family are dispersed. The results are also of significance with respect to disorders involving deficiencies of the enzymes. In particular, they suggest that certain rare combined deficiencies of both enzymes do not involve mutations of the structural loci.

Animals↗

High-density lipoprotein antagonizes oxidized low-density lipoprotein by suppressing oxygen free-radical formation and preserving nitric oxide bioactivity.

The antiatherogenic role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been related to its ability to increase the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and to protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) against oxidative modification. The present study was aimed to determine whether and how HDL antagonizes oxidized LDL (oxLDL) that has been formed and accumulated in circulation. Pre-infusion of rats with HDL effectively prevented oxLDL-induced renal vascular constriction. Consistently, pre-incubation of human saphenous vein endothelial cells with HDL (100 microg/ml) reversed the oxLDL-induced suppression of endothelium-dependent cyclic-GMP production in co-cultured smooth muscle cells. However, the changes of Akt phosphorylation and eNOS activity in endothelial cells in response to lipoprotein treatments under our assay condition were not significant. Intriguingly, pretreatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with HDL (50 microg/ml) for only 30s effectively reduced the level of free radicals generated by oxLDL or H(2)O(2). In kidneys of living rats, renal arterial infusion of oxLDL greatly enhanced ischemia/reperfusion-induced free radicals, which could be attenuated by HDL pretreatment. We conclude that HDL may antagonize oxLDL on endothelial function through an Akt-independent pathway in which HDL preserves nitric oxide bioactivity by attenuating oxLDL-triggered free radical generation.

Animals↗

Lipoprotein lipase-dependent binding and uptake of low density lipoproteins by THP-1 monocytes and macrophages: possible involvement of lipid rafts.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is produced by cells in the artery wall and can mediate binding of lipoproteins to cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), resulting in endocytosis (the bridging function). Active, dimeric LPL may dissociate to inactive monomers, the main form found in plasma. We have studied binding/internalization of human low density lipoprotein (LDL), mediated by bovine LPL, using THP-1 monocytes and macrophages. Uptake of (125)I-LDL was similar in monocytes and macrophages and was not affected by the LDL-receptor family antagonist receptor-associated protein (RAP) or by the phagocytosis inhibitor cytochalasin D. In contrast, uptake depended on HSPG and on membrane cholesterol. Incubation in the presence of dexamethasone increased the endogenous production of LPL by the cells and also increased LPL-mediated binding of LDL to the cell surfaces. Monomeric LPL was bound to the cells mostly in a heparin-resistant fashion. We conclude that the uptake of LDL mediated by LPL dimers is receptor-independent and involves cholesterol-enriched membrane areas (lipid rafts). Dimeric and monomeric LPL differ in their ability to mediate binding/uptake of LDL, probably due to different mechanisms for binding/internalization.

Animals↗

Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and exercise on low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein subfractions.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of combining exercise with omega-3 fatty acids (n-3fa) supplementation on lipoprotein subfractions and associated enzymes. Subjects were 10 recreationally active males, aged 25 +/- 1.5 years (mean +/- SE), who supplemented n-3fa (60% eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 40% docosahexaenoic [DHA]) at 4 g/d for 4 weeks. Before and after supplementation, subjects completed a 60-minute session of treadmill exercise at 60% Vo(2)max. Following a 24-hour diet and activity control period, blood was collected immediately before and after the exercise session to assess lipid variables: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and subfractions, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and subfractions and particle size, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) activity. Supplementation with n-3fa alone increased total HDL-C and HDL(2)-C, while exercise alone increased total HDL-C, HDL(3)-C, and total LDL-C. LDL subfractions, particle size, and LCAT and CETP activities were not affected by supplementation. Combination treatment resulted in an additive effect for HDL(3)-C only and also increased LDL(1)-C versus baseline. LCAT and CETP activities were not affected by treatments. These results suggest that n-3fa supplementation or an exercise session each affect total HDL-C and subfractions but not LDL-C or subfractions. In addition, the combination of n-3fa and exercise may have additional effects on total HDL-C and LDL-C subfractions as compared to either treatment alone in active young men.

Adult↗

A role for apolipoprotein(a) in protection of the low-density lipoprotein component of lipoprotein(a) from copper-mediated oxidation.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation is stimulated by copper. Addition of a recombinant form of apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a); the distinguishing protein component of lipoprotein(a)) containing 17 plasminogen kringle IV-like domains (17K r-apo(a)) protects LDL against oxidation by copper. Protection is specific to apo(a) and is not achieved by plasminogen or serum albumin. When Cu(2+) is added to 17K r-apo(a), its intrinsic fluorescence is quenched in a concentration-dependent and saturable manner. Quenching is unchanged whether performed aerobically or anaerobically and is reversible by ethylenediaminetetraacetate, suggesting that it is due to equilibrium binding of Cu(2+) and not to oxidative destruction of tryptophan residues. The fluorescence change exhibits a sigmoid dependence on copper concentration, and time courses of quenching are complex. At copper concentrations below 10 microM there is little quenching, whereas above 10 microM quenching proceeds immediately as a double-exponential decay. The affinity and kinetics of copper binding to 17K r-apo(a) are diminished in the presence of the lysine analogue epsilon -aminocaproic acid. We propose that copper binding to the kringle domains of 17K is mediated by a His-X-His sequence that is located about 5A from the closest tryptophan residue of the lysine binding pocket. Copper binding may account for the natural resistance to copper-mediated oxidation of lipoprotein(a) relative to LDL that has been previously reported and for the protection afforded by apo(a) from copper-mediated oxidation of LDL that we describe in the present study.

Apolipoproteins A↗

The rebound of lipoproteins after LDL-apheresis. Kinetics and estimation of mean lipoprotein levels.

We studied the rebound of lipoproteins in 20 hypercholesterolemic men [mean total cholesterol (TC) levels 9.6+/-1.8 mmol/l] after LDL-apheresis (LA) to determine the rate of recovery and the change in cholesterol synthesis, and to find a uniform estimation for time-averaged levels. After 10-20 months on biweekly LA using dextran sulfate cellulose columns and concomitant simvastatin administration, time-averaged levels (+/-SD) measured by integration of the area under the curve were as follows: TC 4.4+/-1.0 mmol/l, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) 2.5+/-1.0 mmol/l, apolipoprotein B (apo B) 1. 3+/-0.3 g/l, triglycerides (TG) 1.7+/-0.7 mmol/l, HDL-C 1.1+/-0.2 mmol/l, and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] 53.7+/-49.4 mg/dl. Mean acute reductions in TC, LDL-C, apo B, Lp(a), and TG were 61, 77, 75, 76, and 62%, respectively. HDL-C levels were not influenced. Median recovery half times for TC, LDL-C, apo B, and Lp(a) were 3.0, 4.0, 2. 3, and 3.5 days, respectively. The rebound of Lp(a) was identical to LDL-C, in 12 and 13 days post-treatment, respectively, whereas apo B and TC returned to pre-treatment levels in 7.5 and 10 days, respectively, due to the fast rebound of VLDL particles. Notwithstanding these differences, time-averaged levels (C(AVG)) could be estimated uniformly for the four latter parameters with the formula: C(AVG)=C(MIN)+0.73(C(MAX)-C(MIN)), where C(MAX) and C(MIN) are the immediate pre- and post-treatment levels. During long-term treatment the whole-body cholesterol synthesis was increased as measured by the ratio lathosterol to cholesterol of 3.24+/-1.49 mmol/mmol, whereas no further transient increase in the recovery period after LA was found. In conclusion, long-term LA and simvastatin therapy induced acute and chronic changes in lipids and lipoproteins showing the feasibility of biweekly treatment. It was shown that time-averaged levels, as a measure for the effective plasma levels, can be accurately estimated from pre- and post-treatment levels only.

Adult↗

Effects of androgen manipulation on postprandial triglyceridaemia, low-density lipoprotein particle size and lipoprotein(a) in men.

Although androgenic hormones decrease HDLC concentration, no direct evidence has linked them to atherosclerosis. The present study was undertaken to extend our ability to assess risk associated with androgen induced lipoprotein(Lp) changes by simultaneously gathering information about postprandial triglyceridaemia (PPT), LDL particle size, HDL and Lp(a) in men either taking exogenous androgens or with suppressed endogenous androgen concentrations. The experimental groups comprised nine male bodybuilders who self-administered anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) for a mean period of 6.5 weeks, and 10 healthy men whose testosterone concentration had been reversibly suppressed for 5 weeks using the GnRH agonist triptorelin (Decapeptyl; D-Trp-6-LHRH). A separate group receiving no hormonal treatment provided analytical control (n=7). Lipoprotein size was assessed by gradient gel electrophoresis categorisation (GGE), lipoprotein concentrations by immuno and enzymatic assays and PPT by a standardised oral fat tolerance test (65g /m(2)). Testosterone concentration was significantly reduced on triptorelin from 7.32+/-1.92 to 1.15+/-0.57 ng/ml (P=0.002). High dose AAS use was confirmed by urinalysis. With AAS use, mean HDLC and Lp(a) concentrations and PPT decreased from 0.9+/-0.3 to 0.7+/-0.3 mmol/l (P=0.004), 125+/-128 to 69+/-73 U/l (P=0.008) and 11.6+/-10.0 mmol/l h to 7.5+/-5.4 mmol/l h (P=0.027) respectively. Mean total cholesterol and LDLC were unchanged. LDL size was unchanged in six AAS users, decreased in one but remaining in the normal size range, and increased in two from small LDL to the normal range. Size changes in the latter two subjects were associated with 42 and 58% reductions in PPT respectively. In the triptorelin group, mean total cholesterol, HDLC and Lp(a) were increased from 4.8+/-0.8 mmol/l to 5.2+/-1.0 mmol/l (P=0.039), 1.1+/-0.2 to 1.4+/-0.3 mmol/l (P=0.002) and 278+/-149 to 377+/-222 U/l (P=0.004) respectively. Mean LDLC concentration and PPT were unchanged. LDL particle size increased in four, decreased in two, and was unchanged in four subjects. LDL size decreased in two and showed no change in the other five control subjects. Other lipid measures were unchanged in the control group. Thus, apart from lowering HDLC concentrations, no other potentially atherogenic effects of endogenous androgens or AAS were observed. A suppression of Lp(a) as well as a reduced PPT and increased LDL size in predisposed individuals may be antiatherogenic effects of AAS.

Adult↗

Oxidized low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein enhance expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in rabbit peritoneal exudate macrophages.

The migration of monocytes into arterial subendothelial space is one of the earliest events in atherogenesis. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) is a potent monocyte chemoattractant. The purpose of this work was to examine whether oxidized low density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (OX-VLDL) have any effect on the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein in rabbit peritoneal exudate macrophages. The total RNA was extracted from the macrophages after 24 h exposure to LDL, VLDL, OX-LDL, and OX-VLDL, respectively, and the media (LDL-CM, VLDL-CM, OX-LDL-CM and OX-VLDL-CM) conditioned by the macrophages exposed to the above-mentioned lipoproteins were collected. The MCP-1 mRNA expression in macrophages was examined by Northern blot analysis. Meanwhile, MCP-1 protein in the conditioned media was determined by sandwich ELISA. The chemotactic activity of the conditioned media for monocytes was determined by micropore filter assay. The results revealed that the macrophages can express MCP-1, and 24 h exposure to OX-LDL and OX-VLDL induced a 3.2-fold and a 3.4-fold increase in MCP-1 mRNA expression in macrophages and a 2.2-fold and a 2.5-fold increase in the level of MCP-1 protein in the conditioned media, respectively. However, 24 h exposure to LDL and VLDL only induced a slight increase in the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein in macrophages. Furthermore, the migration distance of monocyte induced by OX-LDL-CM and OX-VLDL-CM was longer than that induced by LDL-CM and VLDL-CM, as well as by CM. We conclude that the macrophages can express MCP-1, and OX-VLDL and OX-VLDL induce stronger MCP-1 expression. It suggests that macrophages may amplify the recruitment into subendothelial space, and OX-LDL and OX-VLDL may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis through enhancing the MCP-1 expression in macrophages.

Animals↗

Evidence for a paraoxonase-independent inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation by high-density lipoprotein.

One mechanism by which plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) may protect against atherogenesis is by inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Recent evidence suggests that paraoxonase, an HDL-associated, calcium-dependent enzyme, may be responsible for the antioxidant action of HDL (Mackness et al., Atherosclerosis 1993;104:129; Mackness et al., FEBS Lett 1991;286:152; Watson et al., J Clin Invest 1995;96:2882; Navab et al., Arterio Thromb Vasc Biol 1996;16:831); in particular, paraoxonase activity inhibits the formation of 'minimally oxidized' LDL by hydrolyzing biologically active oxidized phospholipids (Watson et al., J Clin Invest 1995;96:2882; Navab et al., Arterio Thromb Vasc Biol 1996;16:831). However, antioxidant effects of HDL have also been demonstrated under calcium-free conditions, arguing that this enzyme may not be the only mechanism by which HDL inhibits LDL oxidation (Tribble et al., J Lipid Res 1995;36:2580). Here we have evaluated the role of paraoxonase in prevention of LDL oxidation by using HDL subfractions, isolated from human serum or EDTA-plasma, which display markedly different levels of paraoxonase activity; the abilities of modified forms of HDL to prevent LDL oxidation by cultured human (THP-1) macrophages were also assessed. Paraoxonase activity was substantially lower in HDL prepared from plasma compared to serum HDL; moreover, virtually all of the lipoprotein-associated paraoxonase activity was located in the HDL3 fraction, with HDL2 retaining only 1-5% of the total activity. Despite possessing 5-fold differences in paraoxonase activity, HDL3 isolated from plasma or serum was equally effective in inhibiting LDL oxidation by THP-1 macrophages; furthermore, although plasma HDL3 was more protective than plasma HDL2, the latter did significantly inhibit LDL oxidation. Non-paraoxonase antioxidant constituents of plasma HDL3 were investigated further. ApoHDL3, the totally delipidated form of HDL3, was much less effective than native HDL3; when examined individually, purified apolipoprotein A-II gave greater protection than apo A-I, although this effect was not evident in apo A-II-enriched HDL3. Partial delipidation of HDL3, which removes both neutral lipids and alpha-tocopherol, did not significantly diminish its ability to inhibit LDL oxidation by THP-1 macrophages; phospholipid vesicles prepared from partially delipidated HDL3 also inhibited LDL oxidation effectively. We conclude that, in this model of cellular LDL oxidation, the phospholipid fraction of HDL exerts inhibitory effects which are independent of HDL paraoxonase activity.

Apolipoproteins↗

Effects of a cardioselective beta-blocker on postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, low density lipoprotein particle size and glucose-insulin homeostasis in middle-aged men with modestly increased cardiovascular risk.

Beta-adrenergic receptor-blocking agents are commonly used for treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris and arrhythmias and as secondary prevention after myocardial infarction. The modest protection against myocardial infarction conferred by these compounds in primary-preventive studies has suggested that beneficial effects of beta-blockade are counteracted by known adverse influences on lipid and glucose metabolism. As most beta-blockers increase plasma triglycerides and decrease the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration, a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study was conducted to evaluate whether a 12-week treatment with metoprolol (100 mg o.d.) or placebo affected the metabolism of postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in 15 middle-aged men with a modestly increased cardiovascular risk. Metoprolol treatment significantly increased the postprandial responses of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and VLDL remnants to a mixed meal-type of oral fat tolerance test. The effect was particularly prominent for larger (Svedberg flotation rate (Sf) > 400 and Sf 60-400) particle species (P < 0.001 in repeated measures ANOVA), whereas the smaller (Sf 20-60) particles were less affected (P < 0.05). The changes in the postprandial responses of the different VLDL species were mainly related to an effect on the fasting plasma concentrations, with limited or no influences on VLDL catabolism during the postprandial state. In contrast, metoprolol treatment did not significantly influence the postprandial responses of chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants. Notably, the enhanced fasting and postprandial triglyceridaemia during metoprolol treatment was neither accompanied by a rise in fasting or postprandial free fatty acid concentrations, nor by alterations of the glucose and insulin responses to a standard oral glucose challenge. The ensuing shift in the LDL particle size distribution towards smaller particles was limited (fraction small LDL: metoprolol 22.8 +/- 15.7% versus placebo 19.3 +/- 15.0%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, metoprolol treatment primarily enhances fasting and postprandial triglyceridaemia in middle-aged men by increasing the basal hepatic production of VLDL.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Atorvastatin increases low-density lipoprotein size and enhances high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration in male, but not in female patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

The effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor) were evaluated in 40 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Following a 6 week drug-free baseline period 20 male and 20 female patients were treated with atorvastatin 40 mg once daily (QD) for the initial 6 weeks increasing to 80 mg QD during the following 6 weeks. Atorvastatin 40 and 80 mg resulted in a dose related reduction in LDL cholesterol of 44 and 50% (P<0.001), respectively. The reduction of triglycerides (TG) was 35% (P<0.001) with 40 and 80 mg atorvastatin. The lipoprotein lipase and the hepatic lipase activity decreased dose independently by 13% (P<0.05) and 18% (P<0.01), respectively. In males, a dose independent increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration was observed of 8%, (P<0.05). In females, the HDL cholesterol concentration did not change. Baseline LDL size in the females was significantly larger than in the males, being 268+/-6 A and 264+/-8 A (P<0.05), respectively. In males LDL size increased significantly from 264+/-8 A at baseline to269+/-6 A at 40 mg (P<0.05) and to 270+/-5 A (P<0.05) at 80 mg atorvastatin. In females LDL size did not change upon treatment with atorvastatin 40 and 80 mg QD. In conclusion, atorvastatin has the ability to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations as well as the activity of both lipoprotein and hepatic lipase activity. Additionally it has a favorable effect on LDL size and HDL cholesterol concentration in male, but not in female FH patients.

Adult↗

Long-term effects of fish oil on lipoprotein subfractions and low density lipoprotein size in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

The effects of fish oil on lipoprotein subfractions and low density lipoprotein (LDL) size in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients with hypertriglyceridemia are unknown. To elucidate this, 16 NIDDM hypertriglyceridemic patients (plasma triglyceride 2.25- 5.65 mmol/l, plasma cholesterol < or = 7.75 mmol/l) were randomly assigned to a 6-month period with either moderate amounts of fish oil (n = 8) or placebo (n = 8) after 4 weeks of wash-out and 3 weeks of run-in. Diet and hypoglycemic treatment were unchanged throughout the experiment. LDL size were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months. Three VLDL and LDL subfractions were measured at the end of the two periods. The total lipid concentration of all very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) subfractions was lower at the end of fish oil treatment compared with placebo (large VLDL 124.3 +/- 19.7 mg/dl vs 156.7 +/- 45.5 mg/dl; intermediate VLDL 88.5 +/- 9.5 mg/dl vs 113.9 +/- 23.2 mg/dl; small VLDL 105.9 +/- 9.7 mg/dl vs 128.9 +/- 40.7 mg/dl) (mean +/- SEM), although the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, at the end of the two treatments, the percentage distribution of VLDL subfractions was very similar (large 37.5 +/- 3.3% vs 37.6 +/- 2.6%, intermediate 27.6 +/- 0.9% vs 31.0 +/- 2.4%; small 34.9 +/- 3.7% vs 31.4 +/- 2.1%). Concerning LDL, no significant change in LDL size was observed after the two treatments (255.4 +/- 2.2 A vs 254.2 +/- 1.7 A, fish oil; 253.7 +/- 2.0 A vs 253.3 +/- 1.7 A, placebo). LDL subfraction distribution was also very similar (large 17 +/- 3% vs 17 +/- 2%; intermediate 62 +/- 3% vs 65 +/- 3%; small 21 +/- 3% vs 18 +/- 2%), at the end of the two periods, confirming the lack of effects on LDL size. In conclusion, our study indicates that in NIDDM patients with hypertriglyceridemia, fish oil does not induce any improvement in LDL distribution and LDL size despite its positive effects on plasma triglycerides.

Adult↗

Reversal by high-density lipoprotein of the effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein on nitric oxide synthase protein expression in human platelets.

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDLs) induce vasoconstriction and platelet activation, and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) reverse these effects of ox-LDL. To determine the involvement of the L-arginine-nitric oxide (NO) pathway in the effects of lipoproteins on platelets, washed human platelets were incubated with native-LDL, ox-LDL, or HDL plus ox-LDL, but not native LDL, potentiated thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and carbon 14-labeled serotonin release, and these effects of ox-LDL were blocked by pretreatment of platelets with HDL. Incubation of ox-LDL with platelets resulted in reduction in the uptake of tritiated L-arginine by intact platelets and in NO synthase activity in platelet lysate. These effects of ox-LDL on platelet NO synthase activity were also reversed by pretreatment of platelets with HDL. Western blot analysis demonstrated about a 50% reduction in the expression of NO synthase protein in platelets treated with ox-LDL. Whereas HDL alone had no effect on NO synthase protein expression, it blocked the decrease in NO synthase expression caused by ox-LDL. Thus ox-LDL stimulates platelet function primarily by diminishing NO synthase expression, and this effect of ox-LDL can be blocked by pretreatment of platelets with HDL.

Arginine↗

Effect of physical exercise on lipoprotein(a) and low-density lipoprotein modifications in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients.

To evaluate the effect of physical exercise on blood pressure, the lipid profile, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) modifications in untrained diabetics, 27 diabetic patients (14 type 1 and 13 type 2) under acceptable and stable glycemic control were studied before and after a supervised 3-month physical exercise program. Anthropometric parameters, insulin requirements, blood pressure, the lipid profile, Lp(a), LDL composition, size, and susceptibility to oxidation, and the proportion of electronegative LDL (LDL(-)) were measured. After 3 months of physical exercise, physical fitness improved (maximal O2 consumption [VO2max], 29.6 +/- 6.8 v 33.0 +/- 8.4 mL/kg/min, P < .01). The body mass index (BMI) did not change, but the waist circumference (83.2 +/- 11.8 to 81.4 +/- 11.2 cm, P < .05) decreased significantly. An increase in the subscapular to triceps skinfold ratio (0.91 +/- 0.37 v 1.12 +/- 0.47 cm, P < .01) and midarm muscle circumference ([MMC], 23.1 +/- 3.4 v 24.4 +/- 3.7 cm, P < .001) were observed after exercise. Insulin requirements (0.40 +/- 0.18 v 0.31 +/- 0.19 U/kg/d, P < .05) and diastolic blood pressure (80.2 +/- 10 v 73.8 +/- 5 mm Hg, P < .01) decreased in type 2 diabetic patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased in type 1 patients (1.48 +/- 0.45 v1.66 +/- 0.6 mmol/L, P < .05), while LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased in type 2 patients (3.6 +/- 1.0 v3.4 +/- 0.9 mmol/L, P < .01). Although Lp(a) levels did not vary in the whole group, a significant decrease was noted in patients with baseline Lp(a) above 300 mg/L (mean decrease, -13%). A relationship between baseline Lp(a) and the change in Lp(a) (r = -.718, P < .0001) was also observed. After the exercise program, 3 of 4 patients with LDL phenotype B changed to LDL phenotype A, and the proportion of LDL(-) tended to decrease (16.5% +/- 7.4% v 14.0% +/- 5.1%, P = .06). No changes were observed for LDL composition or susceptibility to oxidation. In addition to its known beneficial effects on the classic cardiovascular risk factors, regular physical exercise may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients by reducing Lp(a) levels in those with elevated Lp(a) and producing favorable qualitative LDL modifications.

Adolescent↗

Very-low-density lipoprotein of uremic patients is a poor substrate for bovine lipoprotein lipase in vitro.

Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) from 10 hemodialysis patients and 10 healthy controls was studied with respect to the substrate characteristics for bovine milk lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Compared with the control subjects, the hemodialysis patients had significantly higher serum triglyceride and apolipoprotein B-associated apolipoprotein CIII concentrations (1.03 +/- 0.31 v 1.98 +/- 0.86 mmol/L and 0.004 +/- 0.002 v 0.011 +/- 0.005 g/L, respectively), lower serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI concentrations (1.33 +/- 0.37 v 0.95 +/- 0.31 mmol/L and 1.29 +/- 0.25 v 1.09 +/- 0.23 g/L, respectively), and lower postheparin plasma LPL activity (82 +/- 24 v 35 +/- 14 milliU/milliL). There were also significant increases in the relative fat content and diameter of VLDL particles from patients versus controls. VLDL was labeled with a fluorescent phospholipid analog, DHPE, and the rate of the lipolytic reaction with purified bovine milk LPL was estimated from the increase in fluorescence intensity at 490 nm. There was no significant difference between initial reaction velocities in the study groups, but VLDL particles from hemodialysis patients were lipolyzed to a significantly lesser extent than those from healthy controls (mean increase in fluorescence intensity after completion of the reaction, 95 +/- 36 v 140 +/- 43 arbitrary units). These results are in accordance with the accumulation of remnant particles reported to occur in uremia despite only a moderately increased serum triglyceride concentration.

Adolescent↗

Analysis of low-density lipoprotein catabolism by primary cultures of hepatic cells from normal and low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are taken up by LDL receptor (LDLr)-dependent and -independent pathways; the role and importance of the latest being less well defined. We analyzed the importance of these pathways in the mouse by comparing LDL binding to primary cultures of hepatocytes from LDLr knockout (LDLr KO) and normal C57BL/6J mice. Saturation curve analysis shows that (125)I-LDL bind specifically to normal and LDLr KO mouse hepatocytes with similar dissociation constants (K(d)) (31.2 and 22.9 microg LDL-protein/ml, respectively). The maximal binding capacity (B(max)) is, however, reduced by 48% in LDLr KO mouse hepatocytes in comparison to normal hepatocytes. Conducting the assay in the presence of a 200-fold excess of high-density lipoprotein-3 (HDL3) reduced by 39% the binding of (125)I-LDL to normal hepatocytes and abolished the binding to the LDLr KO mouse hepatocytes. These data indicate that in normal mouse hepatocytes, the LDLr is responsible for approximately half of the LDL binding while a lipoprotein binding site (LBS), interacting with both LDL and HDL3, is responsible for the other half. It can also be deduced that both receptors/sites have a similar affinity for LDL. The metabolism of LDL-protein and cholesteryl esters (CE) was analyzed in both types of cells. (125)I-LDL-protein degradation was reduced by 95% in LDLr KO hepatocytes compared to normal hepatocytes. Comparing the association of (125)I-LDL and (3)H-CE-LDL revealed a CE-selective uptake of 35.6- and 22-fold for normal and LDLr KO mouse hepatocytes, respectively. Adding a 200-fold excess of HDL3 in the assay reduced by 71% the CE-selective uptake in LDLr KO hepatocytes and by 96% in normal hepatocytes. This indicates that mouse hepatocytes are able to selectively take up CE from LDL by the LBS. The comparison of LDL-CE association also showed that the LBS pathway provides 5-fold more LDL-CE to the cell than the LDLr. Overall, our results indicate that in mouse hepatocytes, LDLr is almost completely responsible for LDL-protein degradation while the LBS is responsible for the major part of LDL-CE entry by a CE-selective uptake pathway.

Animals↗