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Biomedical subjects

C Grunfeld

Publications and source records attributed to C Grunfeld.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Lipids, lipoproteins, triglyceride clearance, and cytokines in human immunodeficiency virus infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Infection causes disturbances in lipid metabolism that may be mediated by cytokines. Therefore we studied plasma lipids, lipoproteins, triglyceride (TG) metabolism, and serum cytokines in three groups: patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) without active secondary infection, patients with evidence of human immunodeficiency virus infection but without clinical AIDS (HIV+), and controls. Plasma TGs and FFA were increased in AIDS, while plasma cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein-A-1 (Apo-A-1), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and Apo-B-100 levels were decreased. Increased TG levels in AIDS were primarily due to increases in very low density lipoprotein of normal composition; in addition, LDL and HDL were TG enriched. In HIV+, TGs and FFA were not increased, but total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Apo-A-1, and Apo-B-100 were significantly decreased. Interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) and C-reactive protein levels were increased in AIDS, but tumor necrosis factor and haptoglobin levels were not. There was a significant correlation between plasma TGs and IFN alpha levels (r = 0.477; P less than 0.01), but not between TGs and tumor necrosis factor, C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, or P-24 antigen. In addition, there was no relationship between circulating IFN alpha levels and plasma cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Apo-A-1, LDL cholesterol, Apo-B-100, or FFA. TG clearance time and postheparin lipase were significantly decreased in AIDS and HIV+. There was a strong correlation between serum IFN alpha levels and TG clearance time in AIDS and HIV+ (r = 0.783; P less than 0.001). In summary, decreases in cholesterol and cholesterol containing lipoproteins (including HDL) in both AIDS and HIV+ precede the appearance of hypertriglyceridemia and are not related to IFN alpha or TG levels. Our data raise the possibility that with development of AIDS, subsequent increases in IFN alpha may contribute to increases in plasma TG levels in part by decreasing the clearance of TG.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Role of cytokines in inducing hyperlipidemia.

Plasma lipid levels are elevated in people with diabetes, and a direct relationship can be demonstrated between indices of diabetic control and plasma lipid levels. Many observations suggest that diabetes may be associated with enhanced cytokine production, raising the possibility that some of the metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes may be due to or exacerbated by cytokine overproduction. Tumor necrosis factor induces a rapid increase in serum triglyceride levels caused by an increase in VLDL of normal composition. Although in vitro studies showed that TNF decreases adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity, recent studies with intact animals demonstrated that TNF increases serum triglyceride levels by stimulating hepatic lipid secretion, not by affecting clearance. The increase in hepatic VLDL triglyceride secretion induced by TNF is due to both the stimulation of hepatic de novo fatty acid synthesis and an increase in lipolysis. Other cytokines including IL-1, IL-6, and alpha-interferon increase hepatic de novo fatty acid synthesis. Similarly, cytokines such as IL-1 and alpha-, beta-, and gamma-interferon also increase lipolysis. Thus, a variety of cytokines acting at different receptors can affect multiple processes that can alter lipid metabolism and increase serum lipid levels. These cytokine-induced increases in serum lipoprotein levels may be a beneficial response for the host. Studies show that lipoproteins, including VLDL, bind endotoxin and can protect against the toxic effects of endotoxin. Moreover, lipoproteins bind a variety of viruses, reducing their infectivity. Lipoproteins also bind urate crystals, which reduces the inflammatory response induced by these crystals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Tissue-specific regulation of insulin receptor mRNA levels in rats with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus.

In rats with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus, a reduction in insulin secretion is associated with increased insulin binding in the liver, muscle, fat, and kidney, but not in the brain. To test the hypothesis that tissue-specific modulation of insulin receptors (IRs) in STZ-induced diabetes occurs at the level of mRNA, IR mRNA levels were measured in the liver, kidney, and brain of Sprague-Dawley rats 15 days after intravenous administration of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight) and compared with those of control rats. Diabetic rats were either left untreated or given differing insulin regimens that were designed to achieve varying degrees of metabolic control. IR mRNA levels were measured by slot blot hybridization with a 32P-labeled rIR probe and standardized by 28S ribosomal RNA determination. Hepatic IR mRNA levels were increased significantly in both untreated diabetic rats and in those that received low-dose (2 U/day) insulin therapy. In contrast, hepatic IR mRNA levels did not differ significantly from controls in those that received moderate doses of insulin (3-8 U/day) and were significantly less than controls in those that received the highest doses (6-10 U/day). Renal IR mRNA levels also were increased significantly in the untreated diabetic rats but not in those that received low- or moderate-dose insulin therapy, and were significantly less than controls in those that received the highest doses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Tumor necrosis factor, interleukin, and interferon induced changes in lipid metabolism as part of host defense.

As the immune response is activated during infection, multiple changes in lipid metabolism, especially increased production of VLDL, occur. Many of the cytokines that mediate the immune response are able to produce such changes in lipid metabolism in vivo. The induction of hypertriglyceridemia or other changes in lipid metabolism during infection do not directly cause the wasting syndrome. It appears that such changes in lipid metabolism may be beneficial to the host, as lipoproteins inactivate a variety of infectious agents. Cytokine-driven hepatic VLDL production during infection most likely represents a part of the acute phase response. The body is thus able to increase serum lipids during infection, or at least maintain triglyceride-rich lipoproteins despite the anorexia of infection. In this manner, the anti-infective, protective effects of lipoproteins are maintained.

Adipose Tissue↗

Endotoxin rapidly induces changes in lipid metabolism that produce hypertriglyceridemia: low doses stimulate hepatic triglyceride production while high doses inhibit clearance.

Hyperlipidemia frequently accompanies infectious diseases and may be due to increases in lipoprotein production or decreases in lipoprotein clearance. The administration of endotoxin (LPS) has been used to mimic infection and prior studies demonstrate that LPS produces hypertriglyceridemia. In the present study in rodents, the dose of LPS necessary to induce hyperlipidemia was orders of magnitude less than that necessary to induce shock and death. As little as 10 ng/100 g body weight induced hypertriglyceridemia and this increase in serum triglyceride levels occurred rapidly (78% increase at 2 h). At high doses of LPS (50 micrograms/100 g body weight), the clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins was decreased. At low doses of LPS (100 ng/100 g body weight), triglyceride clearance was not altered but the hepatic secretion of triglyceride was increased. Low dose LPS stimulated hepatic de novo fatty acid synthesis and lipolysis, both of which provided a source of fatty acids for the increase in hepatic triglyceride production. High dose LPS did not increase hepatic fatty acid synthesis or peripheral lipolysis, and hepatic triglyceride secretion was not stimulated. Thus, low dose LPS produces hypertriglyceridemia by increasing hepatic lipoprotein production, while high dose LPS produces hypertriglyceridemia by decreasing lipoprotein catabolism. Administration of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies or interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist did not prevent the increase in serum triglyceride levels induced by LPS. However, anti-TNF antibodies and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) blocked the increase in serum triglycerides induced by TNF or IL-1, respectively. These data suggest that neither of these cytokines is absolutely required for the increase in serum triglycerides induced by LPS, raising the possibility that other cytokines, small molecular mediators, or LPS itself may play a crucial role.

Animals↗

Diabetic foot ulcers: etiology, treatment, and prevention.

The role of neuropathy, structural changes, and ischemia in the development of foot ulcerations in diabetic patients is well established. As a result, it is now possible to determine which patients are at risk for ulceration and to place them in education programs or clinics with multidisciplinary care. In such situations, a high rate of ulcer healing and a decrease in amputation can be achieved. However, the roles of specific therapeutic interventions, particularly local wound healing agents and antibiotics, are not yet understood. Well-characterized patients need to be studied in comparative antibiotic trials for infection and in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of wound-healing agents. Until such trials are completed, dogmatic advocacy or condemnation of a given therapy should be avoided.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Interleukin 4 inhibits stimulation of hepatic lipogenesis by tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, and interleukin 6 but not by interferon-alpha.

Multiple cytokines stimulate hepatic lipogenesis in rodents. We have previously shown that lipogenic cytokines can be divided into 2 classes by their mechanism of action and their synergistic interactions. We now report the effects of interleukin 4, a cytokine known to inhibit the synthesis and action of other cytokines. Interleukin 4 by itself did not alter hepatic lipogenesis. However, interleukin 4 inhibited the characteristic stimulation of hepatic lipogenesis that is seen with tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, and interleukin 6. These 3 cytokines stimulate hepatic lipogenesis by the same mechanism, increasing hepatic levels of citrate, a key allosteric activator of acetyl CoA carboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid synthesis. Interleukin 4 blocks the ability of tumor necrosis factor to increase hepatic citrate. In contrast, interleukin 4 does not block the stimulation of hepatic lipogenesis by interferon-alpha, a cytokine that increases hepatic lipogenesis by a mechanism other than increasing hepatic citrate levels. These results demonstrate that interleukin 4 can inhibit the metabolic action of selected cytokines, which provides strong support for our proposal that lipogenic cytokines operate through 2 distinct mechanisms of action and can therefore be divided into 2 separate classes based on their interactions. These results also emphasize the multiple relationships between the immune response and lipid metabolism.

Animals↗

Neutral lipid storage disease: a possible functional defect in phospholipid- linked triacylglycerol metabolism.

Neutral lipid storage disease (NLSD) (Chanarin-Dorfman Syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disorder of multisystem triacylglycerol (TAG) storage. Previous work has pointed to a defect in intracellular TAG metabolism. In the studies reported here, the lipid metabolism of three lines of NLSD fibroblasts were compared to normal skin fibroblasts. When pulsed with [3H]oleic acid, the earliest observed abnormality in NLSD cell lines was increased incorporation into phosphatidylethanolamine, followed by accumulation of radiolabel in TAG. Activities of several glycerolipid synthetic enzymes were comparable in NLSD and normal fibroblast lines, excluding oversynthesis of glycerolipid. The proportion of plasmalogen and neutral ether lipid synthesized was normal and alkylglycerols did not accumulate, excluding a defect in ether lipid metabolism. Activities of both acid lipase and Mn2(+)-sensitive lipase within the particulate fractions of NLSD and normal fibroblasts were comparable. These studies are most consistent with functional deficiency of a TAG lipase with activity against a pool of TAG that are normally utilized for phospholipid biosynthesis.

Acetates↗

Identification and characterization of the ligand-binding domain of insulin receptor by use of an anti-peptide antiserum against amino acid sequence 241-251 of the alpha subunit.

We previously reported that a 23-kDa receptor proteolytic fragment containing an insulin-binding site was localized within residues 205-316 in the cysteine-rich region of the insulin receptor alpha subunit and postulated that sequence 241-251 plays a major role in insulin binding [Yip, C. C., Hsu, H., Patel, R. G., Hawley, D. M., Maddux, B. A., & Goldfine, I.D. (1988) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 157, 321-329]. In the present study, we have used an antiserum raised against a synthetic peptide containing sequence 241-251 to test this postulate and to study the role of sequence 241-251 in insulin binding. The antiserum immunoprecipitated the 23-kDa fragment, confirming our sequence assignment of this fragment. It also immunoprecipitated the intact alpha subunit of the insulin receptor that had been denatured by reduction and alkylation. However, sequence 241-251 in the native receptor was inaccessible to the antiserum since the antiserum did not block [125I]iodoinsulin binding and did not precipitate either photoaffinity-labeled insulin receptors or insulin receptors labeled with 125I. However, using a radioactive photoaffinity probe [( 125I]-AZAP-insulin) that allows cleavage and removal of insulin after photolabeling, we found that sequence 241-251 became accessible to the antiserum after removal of insulin. We conclude therefore that sequence 241-251 forms part of the insulin-binding domain of the insulin receptor and that the binding of insulin to the receptor induces a conformational change that allows exposure of this domain after removal of insulin. Such a conformational change may play a role in activation of the receptor and transmembrane signaling.

Affinity Labels↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1, and interferon alpha stimulate triglyceride synthesis in HepG2 cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) stimulate hepatic lipogenesis in vivo. We now show that TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IFN-alpha stimulate lipogenesis as measured by the incorporation of 3H-glycerol into triglyceride in cultured HepG2 cells. Incubation of HepG2 cells for approximately 24 hours with TNF or IL-1 was required to see stimulation of lipogenesis, with this effect increasing over the next four days. TNF stimulated lipogenesis by 2.4-fold after 72 hours of incubation, while a 3.5-fold stimulation was seen with IL-1. The half maximal concentration for TNF stimulation of hepatic lipogenesis was 4 ng/mL, while that for IL-1 was 0.3 ng/mL. Cells treated with TNF or IL-1 also showed increased secretion of labeled triglyceride into the media. IFN-alpha stimulated the incorporation of 3H-glycerol into triglyceride by 39% after 72 hour's incubation. In contrast, IFN-gamma had no effect on lipogenesis in HepG2 cells. These data suggest that cytokines can directly stimulate the synthesis of triglycerides in cultured Hep G2 liver cells in vitro.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Increased hepatic insulin proreceptor-to-receptor ratio in diabetes: a possible processing defect.

Hepatic insulin proreceptors and receptors were studied in control and in ketotic diabetic rats 2-4 wk after streptozotocin treatment. Solubilized preparations were partially purified by wheat germ agglutinin-agarose (WGA) and lentil lectin agarose (LLA) chromatography to enrich eluates in insulin receptors and proreceptors, respectively. After phosphorylation with [gamma-32P]ATP, an approximately 190-kDa glycoprotein was identified in LLA eluates as the insulin proreceptor, based on insulin dose-dependent tyrosine autophosphorylation, immunoprecipitation with insulin receptor-specific antibodies, and high-mannose glycosylation. Mature approximately 95 kDa phosphorylated beta-subunits were present in both LLA and WGA eluates. LLA also showed phosphorylated partially processed beta-subunits (approximately 85 kDa) and proreceptors (approximately 190 kDa). Proreceptors comprised less than 1% of the total yield of hepatic insulin receptors. The incorporation of 32P into proreceptors (per gram liver or DNA) was 4.7- or 4.5-fold greater in diabetic vs. control rats, whereas receptor labeling increased only 1.8- or 1.5-fold in diabetic rats. beta-Subunit autophosphorylation per receptor was identical in control and diabetic rats. The phosphorylation data suggested a diabetes-associated 2.6-fold increase in proreceptor-to-receptor ratios. When assessed by cross-linking with 125I-labeled insulin or by immunoblotting, proreceptor-to-receptor ratios were increased 1.5- and 3.1-fold, respectively, in diabetic rats. The data suggest that uncontrolled diabetes may alter insulin receptor processing.

Animals↗

Circulating interferon-alpha levels and hypertriglyceridemia in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

PURPOSE: The metabolic disturbances seen during infection are thought to be due to cytokines, modulators of the immune response. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is characterized by a high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and at times depletion of body cell mass (wasting). Elevated circulating levels of cytokines have also been reported in AIDS. Therefore, we determined the relationship between circulating cytokine levels and lipid levels and between circulating cytokine levels and wasting in AIDS and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum samples from 45 patients with AIDS, 13 subjects with evidence of HIV infection by presence of antibody but without AIDS (HIV positive), and 17 seronegative control subjects who had previously undergone body composition analysis were analyzed for triglyceride, cholesterol, interferon, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-1 levels. Eleven subjects with AIDS or HIV infection had sequential measurements. Interferon was analyzed by bioassay with identification using specific antibodies. TNF and interleukin-1 were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lean body mass was assessed by total body potassium. RESULTS: Serum interferon-alpha levels were significantly elevated in patients with AIDS (p less than 0.001 compared to controls), with detectable levels in 84% of AIDS patients. Interferon-alpha was not detectable in serum from controls, while three of 13 HIV-positive subjects had detectable interferon-alpha levels. There was a significant correlation between interferon-alpha levels and serum triglyceride levels in AIDS and HIV-positive patients (R = 0.446, p less than 0.002). There was no relationship between interferon-alpha and serum cholesterol levels (R = -0.039, NS). In contrast only 11% of AIDS patients had detectable circulating TNF levels; the mean value for and the prevalence of detectable serum TNF levels were not significantly different from those of control subjects. Interleukin-1 was not detected in the circulation. There was no correlation between the presence of circulating TNF and serum triglycerides. There was no relationship between circulating interferon-alpha or TNF levels and the presence of wasting as measured by total body potassium. CONCLUSION: These studies suggest that interferon-alpha, which has previously been shown to modulate lipid metabolism in vivo and in vitro, may be responsible for the hypertriglyceridemia found in AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Localization of tumor necrosis factor-stimulated DNA synthesis in the liver.

Tumor necrosis factor and other cytokines mediate the body's response to infection and inflammation. Long-term administration of tumor necrosis factor causes liver hypertrophy, and our laboratory has shown that tumor necrosis factor acutely increases hepatic DNA synthesis. The purpose of this study was to determine which specific cell types in the liver undergo DNA synthesis in response to tumor necrosis factor. Light microscopic autoradiographs of 3H-thymidine incorporation demonstrate that tumor necrosis factor stimulates DNA synthesis in nonparenchymal cells, whereas the low level of DNA synthesis normally found in hepatocytes remains unaffected. Tumor necrosis factor increased labeling in sinusoidal cells that appeared to be Kupffer cells and in cells localized to the portal tracts. With electron microscopy and histochemical staining for endogenous peroxidase, the sinusoidal cells were clearly identified as Kupffer cells. The exact identity of the cells in the portal tract is less certain, but some of the cells shared the characteristics of bile duct precursors. With long-term administration of tumor necrosis factor, a striking proliferation of bile ducts was seen. The functional role of the proliferation of bile ducts in response to tumor necrosis factor is unclear, and it is not known whether the increase is a beneficial or deleterious response. The increased DNA synthesis in Kupffer cells could result in a potentially beneficial response to infection by increasing an animal's ability to phagocytize and clear microorganisms. However, under some circumstances, an expansion of the number of Kupffer cells could be deleterious by increasing an animal's ability to produce tumor necrosis factor and other cytokines that in large quantities can have toxic effects.

Animals↗

Search for mediators of the lipogenic effects of tumor necrosis factor: potential role for interleukin 6.

The significance of potential second messengers as mediators of the metabolic effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was explored by studying their role in stimulating hepatic lipogenesis. Platelet-activating factor and prostaglandins have previously been suggested to mediate some of the toxic effects of TNF. An inhibitor of platelet-activating factor (WEB 2086) and two inhibitors of the synthesis of prostaglandins (ibuprofen and aspirin) had no effect on the ability of TNF to increase hepatic lipogenesis or serum triglyceride levels in the rat. Another inhibitor of the toxic effects of TNF, pentoxifylline, also had no effect on lipid metabolism in the rat. Catecholamines are increased after TNF administration, but alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade did not prevent the lipogenic effects of TNF. However, interleukin 6, a cytokine whose synthesis and secretion are induced by TNF, is able to acutely stimulate hepatic lipogenesis in mice. Interleukin 6 stimulates hepatic lipogenesis by increasing hepatic citrate concentrations, the same mechanism by which TNF stimulates hepatic lipogenesis. These data suggest that interleukin 6, but not platelet-activating factor, prostaglandins, or catecholamines, could potentially mediate the lipogenic effects of TNF.

Animals↗

The effect of diet on tumor necrosis factor stimulation of hepatic lipogenesis.

Previous studies have demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) acutely increases serum triglyceride levels and stimulates hepatic lipid synthesis. In this study, we determined the effects of TNF on serum lipid levels and hepatic lipid synthesis in animals whose diets and feeding conditions were varied to induce changes in baseline serum lipid levels and/or rates of hepatic lipid synthesis. In animals studied at both the nadir and peak of the diurnal cycle of hepatic lipid synthesis, TNF acutely increases serum triglyceride levels, stimulates hepatic fatty acid synthesis, and increases the quantity of newly synthesized fatty acids found in the serum. Similarly, in animals ingesting either high-sucrose or cholesterol-enriched diets, TNF induces the characteristic rapid increase in serum triglyceride levels, hepatic fatty acid synthesis, and quantity of labeled fatty acids in the serum. In animals fed a diet high in triglycerides, using either corn oil or lard, TNF stimulates hepatic fatty acid synthesis and increases the quantity of newly synthesized fatty acids in the serum, but serum triglyceride levels do not change. However, TNF inhibits gastric emptying, which results in a marked decrease in fat absorption in TNF-treated animals. It is likely that a decrease in the dietary contribution to serum triglyceride levels during high-triglyceride feeding counterbalances the increased hepatic contribution induced by TNF treatment. In animals fasted before TNF administration there was no acute change in either serum lipid levels, hepatic fatty acid synthesis, or the quantity of labeled fatty acids in the serum. Thus, TNF stimulates hepatic fatty acid synthesis and increases serum triglyceride levels under many diverse dietary conditions, suggesting that there is a strong linkage between the immune system and lipid metabolism that is independent of most dietary manipulations and may be of fundamental importance in the body's response to infection.

Animals↗