Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Folkert Kuipers

Publications and source records attributed to Folkert Kuipers.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Kupffer cell depletion with liposomal clodronate prevents suppression of Ntcp expression in endotoxin-treated rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In sepsis-associated cholestasis, expression of many genes involved in bile acid transport, including Ntcp, is suppressed by cytokines. Kupffer cells (KC) are an important source of cytokines in sepsis. To assess the consequences of KC depletion on hepatic Ntcp expression in endotoxemic rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats received liposomal clodronate (CLO) or vehicle (PBS) to deplete KC prior to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Plasma and liver samples were taken 1 and 16 h after LPS exposure. RESULTS: Complete CLO-depletion of KC by was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Hepatic gene expression of IL-1beta and TNFalpha as well as TNFalpha plasma levels in CLO/LPS-injected animals were significantly reduced to a mean of 41, 36 and 23% of controls injected with LPS only. Ntcp RNA- and protein expression was significantly higher whereas plasma bile salt concentration was lower in CLO/LPS animals vs. animals injected with LPS only. Binding activity of transcription factors RXR:RAR and HNF1alpha was decreased in LPS only controls but preserved in CLO/LPS treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Clodronate-depletion of KC blocks cytokine-mediated Ntcp suppression upon endotoxin exposure. KC may represent pharmacological targets for treatment of sepsis-associated cholestasis.

Animals↗

Increased fecal neutral sterol loss upon liver X receptor activation is independent of biliary sterol secretion in mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is defined as high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-mediated flux of excess cholesterol from peripheral cells to liver, followed by secretion into bile and disposal via the feces. Various steps of this pathway are controlled by the liver X receptor (LXR). We addressed the role of the intestine in LXR-dependent stimulation of fecal cholesterol excretion. METHODS: To segregate biliary from intestine-derived cholesterol, wild-type and Mdr2 P-glycoprotein-deficient mice ( Mdr2 -/- ), which are unable to secrete cholesterol into bile, were treated with the LXR agonist GW3965. RESULTS: Treatment with GW3965 increased biliary cholesterol secretion by 74% in wild-type mice but had no effect in Mdr2 -/- mice. LXR activation increased fecal neutral sterol excretion 2.1-fold in wild-type mice. Surprisingly, an identical increase was observed in Mdr2 -/- mice. Fractional cholesterol absorption was reduced on LXR activation in both strains but was more pronounced in Mdr2 -/- mice, coinciding with reduced Npc111 expression. Intestinal gene expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters (Abc) Abca1 , Abcg1 , Abcg5 , and Abcg8 was strongly induced upon LXR activation in both strains, whereas expression of HMGCoA reductase , controlling cholesterol synthesis, remained unaffected. Additionally, LXR activation stimulated the excretion of plasma-derived [ 3 H]cholesterol into the fecal neutral sterol fraction in Mdr2 -/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: Increased fecal cholesterol loss upon LXR activation is independent of biliary cholesterol secretion in mice. An important part of excess cholesterol is excreted directly via the intestine, supporting the existence of an alternative, quantitatively important route for cholesterol disposal.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Rosuvastatin reduces plasma lipids by inhibiting VLDL production and enhancing hepatobiliary lipid excretion in ApoE*3-leiden mice.

The present study was designed to investigate the lipid-lowering properties and mechanisms of action of a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, rosuvastatin, in female ApoE*3-Leiden transgenic mice. Mice received a high fat/cholesterol (HFC) diet containing either rosuvastatin (0 [control], 0.00125%, 0.0025%, or 0.005% [w/w]) or 0.05% (w/w) lovastatin. The highest dose of rosuvastatin reduced plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 39% and 42%, respectively, compared with the HFC control. Lovastatin had no effect on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In ApoE*3-Leiden mice on a chow diet, rosuvastatin (0.005% [w/w]) decreased plasma cholesterol levels by 35% without having an effect on triglyceride levels. On a chow diet, expression of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake in the liver was increased by rosuvastatin. Further mechanistic studies in HFC-fed mice showed that rosuvastatin treatment resulted in decreased hepatic VLDL-triglyceride and VLDL-apolipoprotein B production. VLDL lipid composition remained unchanged, indicating a reduction in the number of VLDL particles secreted. Lipolytic activity and expression of genes involved in cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis and beta-oxidation of fatty acids in the liver were not affected by rosuvastatin treatment, and hepatic lipid content did not change. However, activity of hepatic diacylglycerol acyltransferase was significantly decreased by 25% after rosuvastatin treatment. Moreover, biliary excretion of cholesterol, phospholipids, and bile acids was increased during treatment. The results indicate that rosuvastatin treatment in ApoE*3-Leiden mice on a HFC diet leads to redistribution of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body, both by reduced hepatic VLDL production and triglyceride synthesis and by enhanced hepatobiliary removal of cholesterol, bile acids, and phospholipids, resulting in substantial reductions in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Animals↗

Reduced cholesterol absorption upon PPARdelta activation coincides with decreased intestinal expression of NPC1L1.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) control the transcription of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Activation of PPARdelta may have antiatherogenic effects through the increase of plasma HDL, theoretically promoting reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral tissues toward the liver for removal via bile and feces. Effects of PPARdelta activation by GW610742 were evaluated in wild-type and Abca1-deficient (Abca1(-/-)) mice that lack HDL. Treatment with GW610742 resulted in an approximately 50% increase of plasma HDL-cholesterol in wild-type mice, whereas plasma cholesterol levels remained extremely low in Abca1(-/-) mice. Yet, biliary cholesterol secretion rates were similar in untreated wild-type and Abca1(-/-) mice and unaltered upon treatment. Unexpectedly, PPARdelta activation led to enhanced fecal neutral sterol loss in both groups without any changes in intestinal Abca1, Abcg5, Abcg8, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase expression. Moreover, GW610742 treatment resulted in a 43% reduction of fractional cholesterol absorption in wild-type mice, coinciding with a significantly reduced expression of the cholesterol absorption protein Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (Npc1l1) in the intestine. PPARdelta activation is associated with increased plasma HDL and reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption efficiency that may be related to decreased intestinal Npc1l1 expression. Thus, PPARdelta is a promising target for drugs aimed to treat or prevent atherosclerosis.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1↗

Cholesterol synthesis and de novo lipogenesis in premature infants determined by mass isotopomer distribution analysis.

Premature infants change from placental supply of mainly carbohydrates to an enteral supply of mainly lipids earlier in their development than term infants. The metabolic consequences hereof are not known but might have long-lasting health effects. In fact, knowledge of lipid metabolism in premature infants is very limited. We have quantified de novo lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis on d 3 of life in seven premature infants (birth weight, 1319 +/- 417 g; gestational age, 30 +/- 2 wk). For comparison, five healthy adult subjects were also studied. All subjects received a 12-h [1-(13)C] acetate infusion, followed by mass isotopomer distribution analysis (MIDA) on lipoprotein-palmitate and plasma unesterified cholesterol. The fraction of lipoprotein-palmitate synthesized at the end of the infusion period was 5.4 +/- 3.9% in infants, which was in the same range as found in adult subjects on a normal diet, suggesting that hepatic de novo lipogenesis is not a major contributor to fat accumulation in these premature neonates. The fractional contribution of newly synthesized cholesterol to plasma unesterified cholesterol was 7.4 +/- 1.3% after a 12-h infusion. The calculated rate of endogenous cholesterol synthesis was 31 +/- 7 mg/kg/d, a value approximately three times higher than that found in adult subjects (10 +/- 6 mg/kg/d). These results indicate that the cholesterol-synthesizing machinery is well developed in premature infants.

Acetates↗

In vivo imaging of hepatobiliary transport function mediated by multidrug resistance associated protein and P-glycoprotein.

Multidrug resistance associated proteins (MRPs) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) are involved in hepatobiliary transport of various compounds. Our aim was (1) to define transporter specificity of the cholescintigraphic agents 99mTc-HIDA and 99mTc-MIBI, which are used clinically for myocardial perfusion measurements; and (2) to deduce MRP and P-gp functions in vivo from hepatic 99mTc kinetics. Accumulation of radioactivity was measured in the human tumor cell lines GLC4, GLC4/ADR150x (MRP1-overexpressing/P-gp-negative) and GLC4/P-gp (P-gp-overexpressing). Bile secretion was quantified in untreated and in glutathione-depleted control and MRP2-deficient (GY/TR-) rats. Hepatobiliary transport was measured using a gamma camera in both types of rats. 99mTc-HIDA accumulated 5.8-fold less in GLC4/ADR150x calls than in GLC4 or GLC4/P-gp cells. In GLC4/ADR150x, the cellular 99mTc-HIDA content was increased 3.4-fold by the MRP1,2 inhibitor MK571 (50 microM), while MK571 had no measurable effect in GLC4 and GLC4/P-gp cells. 99mTc-MIBI accumulated less in GLC4/P-gp and GLC4/ADR150x cells than in GLC4 cells. Bile secretion of 99mTc-HIDA was impaired in GY/TR- compared to control rats and not affected by glutathione depletion in GY/TR- rats. Hepatic secretion of 99mTc-HIDA was slower in GY/TR- (t1/2 40 min) than in control rats (t1/2 7 min). Bile secretion of 99mTc-MIBI was similar in both rat strains and impaired by glutathione depletion in control rats only, indicating compensatory activity of additional transporter(s) in GY/TR- rats. 99mTc-HIDA is transported only by MRP1,2 only, while 99mTc-MIBI is transported by P-gp and MRP1,2. The results indicate that hepatic P-gp and MRP1,2 function can be assessed in vivo by sequential use of both radiopharmaceuticals.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Administration of phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol liposomes partially reconstitutes fat absorption in chronically bile-diverted rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intestinal bile deficiency in cholestatic patients leads to fat malabsorption. We addressed the potency of model bile, bile salts and phosphatidylcholine (PC)-cholesterol (CH) liposomes to reconstitute fat absorption in permanently bile-diverted (BD) rats. METHODS: The plasma appearance of 13C-labeled palmitic acid (13C-16:0) and linoleic acid (13C-18:2) was determined after their enteral administration to BD or to control rats with an intact enterohepatic circulation (EHC) (13C-16:0 and 13C-18:2 dissolved in 25% olive oil-75% medium chain triacylglycerol oil mixture). BD rats were intraduodenally infused with buffer, model bile [consisting of 60 mM taurocholate (TC), 8 mM PC and 1 mM CH], buffer with TC, buffer with PC and CH liposomes, or buffer with lyso-PC and CH. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of 13C-16:0 and 13C-18:2 were consistently three- to eightfold higher in control rats than those in buffer-infused BD rats (P < 0.01). ID administration of either model bile or TC to BD rats restored plasma appearance of 13C-fatty acids at least to concentrations observed in control rats. Administration of PC + CH liposomes to BD rats partially reconstituted the plasma appearance of 13C-16:0, but did not affect that of 13C-18:2. Compared with control rats, the area under the curve (AUC) of plasma 13C-16:0 concentrations was 13.0 +/- 6.9% in buffer-infused rats and 40.9 +/- 3.1% in liposome-infused rats (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Enteral administration of PC + CH liposomes to BD rats partially corrects the absorption of palmitic acid. Present data suggest that administration of PC + CH liposomes could enhance fat absorption in clinical conditions of cholestasis in which bile salt supplemention is contraindicated.

Animals↗

Cyclosporine A-induced reduction of bile salt synthesis associated with increased plasma lipids in children after liver transplantation.

Hyperlipidemia is a common side effect of cyclosporine A (CsA) after solid organ transplantation. CsA also markedly reduces the synthesis rate of bile salts in rats and can inhibit biliary bile salt secretion. It is not known, however, whether CsA inhibits the synthesis of bile salts in humans, and whether the hyperlipidemic effects of CsA are related to bile salt metabolism. Our objective was to assess the effects of CsA on the synthesis rate of bile salts and on plasma triglycerides and cholesterol levels in pediatric liver transplant patients. Before and after discontinuation of CsA treatment after liver transplantation, synthesis rate and pool size of the primary bile salts cholate and chenodeoxycholate were determined using a stable isotope dilution technique and related to plasma lipids. In 6 children (age: 3-16 years) CsA treatment was discontinued at 2 years (median 2.3 years) after liver transplantation. Discontinuation of CsA increased synthesis rate of chenodeoxycholate (+38%, P <.001) and cholate (+21%, P <.05) and the pool size of chenodeoxycholate (+54%, P <.001). Discontinuation of CsA decreased plasma levels of cholesterol (-18%, P <.05) and triglycerides (-23%, P <.05). Bile salt synthesis rate appeared to be inversely correlated with plasma cholesterol (Spearman rank correlation coefficient [r(s)] = -0.82, P <.01) and plasma triglyceride levels (r(s) = -0.62, P <.05). In conclusion, CsA inhibits bile salt synthesis and increases plasma concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in pediatric liver transplant patients. Suppression of bile salt synthesis by long-term CsA treatment may contribute to hyperlipidemia and thus to increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Adolescent↗

The transport of triglycerides through the secretory pathway of hepatocytes is impaired in apolipoprotein E deficient mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient mice develop hepatic steatosis and secrete reduced levels of VLDL-TG. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined the effects of apoE-deficiency on intracellular lipid homeostasis and secretion of triglycerides (TG). We show that intracellular TG turnover and activities of diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) are similar in Apoe(-/-) and wild type mice. In addition, apoB synthesis was not decreased in Apoe(-/-) cells. Thus, the accumulation of lipid in these cells is not attributable to perturbed TG turnover, apoB synthesis, and the activities of DGAT and MTP. Inhibition of MTP had a more profound impact on the secretion of VLDL-TG from wild type hepatocytes than Apoe(-/-) hepatocytes, indicating that MTP was more limiting for the production of VLDL-TG from wild type cells. In marked contrast to the MTP-deficient model of fatty liver, electron microscopy of lipid-stained liver sections of Apoe(-/-) mice revealed an accumulation of lipid in numerous small, putative ER-derived vesicles and in the cytosol. No abnormalities were observed in the Golgi of Apoe(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the removal of lipids from the early or intermediary compartments of the secretory pathway of hepatocytes is impaired in Apoe(-/-) mice.

Animals↗

Rapid increase of bile salt secretion is associated with bile duct injury after human liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Biliary strictures are a serious cause of morbidity after liver transplantation. We have studied the role of altered bile composition as a mechanism of bile duct injury after human liver transplantation. METHODS: In 28 liver transplant recipients, bile samples were collected daily posttransplantation for determination of bile composition. Hepatic expression of bile transporters was studied before and after transplantation. Histopathological criteria as well as biliary concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) were used to quantify bile duct injury. RESULTS: Early after transplantation, bile salt secretion increased more rapidly than phospholipid secretion, resulting in high biliary bile salt/phospholipid ratio (BA/PL). In parallel with this, mRNA levels of the bile salt transporters NTCP and BSEP increased significantly after transplantation, whereas phospholipid translocator MDR3 mRNA levels remained unchanged. Bile duct injury correlated significantly with bile salt secretion and was associated with a high biliary BA/PL ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Bile salt secretion after human liver transplantation recovers more rapidly than phospholipid secretion. This results in cytotoxic bile formation and correlates with bile duct injury. These findings suggest that endogenous bile salts have a role in the pathogenesis of bile duct injury after liver transplantation.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗

Sitosterolemia in ABC-transporter G5-deficient mice is aggravated on activation of the liver-X receptor.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mutations in either adenosine triphosphate- binding cassette (ABC) half-transporter G5 or G8 cause sitosterolemia. It has been proposed that ABCG5/ABCG8 heterodimers mediate secretion of plant sterols and cholesterol by hepatocytes into bile and their efflux from enterocytes into the intestinal lumen. METHODS: To test whether deficiency of ABCG5 alone is sufficient to induce sitosterolemia, Abcg5-null mice were generated and characterized with respect to sterol metabolism. RESULTS: Abcg5 deficiency was associated with strongly elevated plasma levels of beta-sitosterol (37-fold) and campesterol (7.7-fold) as well as reduced plasma cholesterol concentrations (-40%). Retention of orally administered [(3)H]beta-sitosterol in the intestinal wall (+550%) and plasma (+640%) was higher in Abcg5-null mice than in wild-type controls. Surprisingly, high plasma beta-sitosterol and campesterol concentrations were even further elevated in Abcg5-null mice on treatment with the synthetic LXR agonist T0901317 (0.015% dietary supplementation, 10 days), whereas these concentrations were reduced by approximately 75% in wild-type mice. Both cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations in gallbladder bile were decreased, but, unexpectedly, cholesterol/phospholipid ratios were unchanged in the absence of Abcg5 and increased in both genotypes on LXR activation. Hepatic expression of Abcg8 was reduced by about 35% in Abcg5-deficient mice when compared with controls. No compensatory overexpression of other ABC transporters potentially involved in hepatic cholesterol trafficking was observed on messenger RNA level. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that disruption of the Abcg5 gene alone is sufficient to cause hyperabsorption of dietary plant sterols and sitosterolemia in mice, whereas the ability to secrete cholesterol into bile is maintained.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Mem↗

The ins and outs of reverse cholesterol transport.

It is generally assumed that HDL is the obligate transport vehicle for 'reverse cholesterol transport', the pathway for removal of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues via the liver into bile and subsequent excretion via the feces. During the last few years, intensive research has generated exciting new data on the separate processes involved in reverse cholesterol transport. Many 'new' proteins, particularly members of the ABC transporter and nuclear receptor subfamilies, that mediate or influence cholesterol fluxes have been identified and characterized. An important role of the intestine in regulation of cholesterol homeostasis is emerging. In this paper, new insights into mechanisms of reverse cholesterol are reviewed.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Low-fat, high-carbohydrate and high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets decrease primary bile acid synthesis in humans.

BACKGROUND: Dietary fat content influences bile salt metabolism, but quantitative data from controlled studies in humans are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to establish the effect of dietary fat content on the metabolism of primary bile salts. DESIGN: The effects of eucaloric extremely low-fat (0%), intermediate-fat (41%; control diet), and extremely high-fat (83%) diets on kinetic values of cholate and chenodeoxycholate metabolism were determined after 11 d by using stable isotope dilution in 6 healthy men. All diets contained identical amounts of cholesterol. RESULTS: The total primary bile salt pool size was not significantly affected by dietary fat content, although the chenodeoxycholate pool was significantly higher during the low-fat diet. Fractional turnover rates of both primary bile salts were 30-50% lower during the low- and high-fat diets than during the control diet. Total hepatic bile salt synthesis was approximately 30% lower during both the high- and low-fat diets, but synthesis rates of the 2 primary bile salts were differentially affected. The molar ratio of cholate to total bile salt synthesis increased from 0.50 +/- 0.05 ( +/- SD) to 0.59 +/- 0.05 and 0.66 +/- 0.04 with increasing fat intake, whereas the molar ratio of chenodeoxycholate to total bile salt synthesis decreased from 0.50 +/- 0.05 to 0.41 +/- 0.05 and 0.34 +/- 0.04. The relative concentration of deoxycholate in plasma increased during the low-fat period, which indicated increased absorption from the colon. CONCLUSIONS: Both low- and high-fat diets reduce the synthesis and turnover rates of primary bile salts in humans, although probably through different mechanisms, and consequently they affect the removal of cholesterol from the body.

Adult↗

A low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet improves glucoregulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus by reducing postabsorptive glycogenolysis.

The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms by which dietary carbohydrate and fat modulate fasting glycemia. We compared the effects of an eucaloric high-carbohydrate (89% carbohydrate) and high-fat (89% fat) diet on fasting glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in seven obese patients with type 2 diabetes using stable isotopes and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps. At basal insulin levels glucose concentrations were 148 +/- 11 and 123 +/- 11 mg/dl (8.2 +/- 0.6 and 6.8 +/- 0.6 mmol/liter) on the high-carbohydrate and high-fat diet, respectively (P < 0.001), with insulin concentrations of 12 +/- 2 and 10 +/- 1 microIU/ml (82 +/- 11 and 66 +/- 10 pmol/liter) (P = 0.08). Glucose production was higher on the high-carbohydrate diet (1.88 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.55 +/- 0.05 mg/kg.min (10.44 +/- 0.33 vs. 8.61 +/- 0.28 micromol/kg.min) (P < 0.001) because of higher glycogenolysis. Gluconeogenic rates were not different between the diets. During the use of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps, insulin-mediated suppression of glucose production and stimulation of glucose disposal were not different between the diets. Free fatty concentrations were suppressed by 89 and 62% (P < 0.0001) on the high-carbohydrate and high-fat diet, respectively. We conclude that short-term variations in dietary carbohydrate to fat ratios affect basal glucose metabolism in people with type 2 diabetes merely through modulation of the rate of glycogenolysis, without affecting insulin sensitivity of glucose metabolism.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

The farnesoid X receptor: a novel drug target?

Bile acids are end products of cholesterol metabolism. They are exclusively synthesised by the liver and subsequently secreted via the bile duct into the intestine to facilitate the absorption of dietary fat and fat-soluble vitamins. Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has recently been identified as a bile acid-activated nuclear receptor. FXR controls bile-acid synthesis, conjugation and transport, as well as lipid metabolism. Recent advances in FXR biology demonstrate that FXR may represent a valuable target for the identification of novel drugs to treat dyslipidaemia and cholestasis. However, for therapeutic purposes the development of selective FXR modulators, which only activate or inhibit specific FXR target genes and as such induce specific responses, will be required.

Animals↗

Glucose regulates the expression of the farnesoid X receptor in liver.

An increased prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and gallbladder disease occurs in patients with diabetes or insulin resistance. Hypertriglyceridemia is positively associated to gall bladder disease risk. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid-activated nuclear receptor that plays a key role in bile acid and triglyceride homeostasis. The mechanisms controlling FXR gene expression are poorly understood. This study evaluated whether FXR gene expression is regulated by alterations in glucose homeostasis. FXR expression was decreased in livers of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and normalized upon insulin supplementation. Concomitantly with diabetes progression, FXR expression also decreased in aging diabetic Zucker rats. In primary rat hepatocytes, D-glucose increased FXR mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas insulin counteracted this effect. Addition of xylitol, a precursor of xylulose-5-phosphate, to primary rat hepatocytes increased FXR expression to a comparable level as D-glucose. Finally, expression of the FXR target genes, SHP and apolipoprotein C-III, were additively regulated by D-glucose and FXR ligands. This study demonstrates that FXR is decreased in animal models of diabetes. In addition, FXR is regulated by glucose likely via the pentose phosphate pathway. Dysregulation of FXR expression may contribute to alterations in lipid and bile acid metabolism in patients with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Animals↗

Inhibition of apolipoprotein B secretion by taurocholate is controlled by the N-terminal end of the protein in rat hepatoma McArdle-RH7777 cells.

Bile salts (BS) inhibit the secretion of apolipoprotein B (apoB) and triacylglycerol (TG) in primary rat, mouse and human hepatocytes and in mice in vivo. We investigated whether lipidation of apoB into a lipoprotein particle is required for this inhibitory action of BS. The sodium/taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (Ntcp) was co-expressed in McArdle-RH7777 (McA-RH7777) cells stably expressing the full-length human apoB100 (h-apoB100, secreted as TG-rich lipoprotein particles) or carboxyl-truncated human apoB18 (h-apoB18, secreted in lipid-free form). The doubly transfected cell lines (h-apoB/r-Ntcp) effectively accumulated taurocholic acid (TC). TC incubation decreased the secretion of endogenous rat apoB100 (-50%) and h-apoB18 (-35%), but did not affect secretion of rat apoA-I. Pulse-chase experiments (35S-methionine) indicated that the impaired secretion of radiolabeled h-apoB18 and h-apoB100 was associated with accelerated intracellular degradation. The calpain protease inhibitor N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-norleucinal (ALLN) partially inhibited intracellular apoB degradation but did not affect the amount of either h-apoB18 or h-apoB100 secreted into the medium, indicating that inhibition of apoB secretion by TC is not due to calpain-dependent proteasomal degradation. We conclude that TC does not inhibit apoB secretion by interference with its lipidation, but rather involves a mechanism dependent on the N-terminal end of apoB.

Animals↗