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Jan Borén

Publications and source records attributed to Jan Borén.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Hypoxia converts human macrophages into triglyceride-loaded foam cells.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerotic lesions have regions that are hypoxic. Because the lesion contains macrophages that are loaded with lipid, we investigated whether hypoxia can influence the accumulation of lipids in these cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Exposure of human macrophages to hypoxia for 24 hours resulted in an increased formation of cytosolic lipid droplets and an increased accumulation of triglycerides. Exposure of the macrophages to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) increased the accumulation of cytosolic lipid droplets because of an increase in cellular cholesterol esters. The accumulation of lipid droplets in oxLDL-treated cells was further increased after hypoxia, caused by an increased level of triglycerides. Expression analyses combined with immunoblot or RT-PCR demonstrated that hypoxia increased the expression of several genes that could promote the accumulation of lipid droplets. Hypoxia increased the mRNA and protein levels of adipocyte differentiation-related protein (ADRP). It is well known that an increased expression of ADRP increases the formation of lipid droplets. Hypoxia decreased the expression of enzymes involved in beta-oxidation (acyl-coenzyme A synthetase and acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase) and increased the expression of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase, an important enzyme in the fatty acid biosynthesis. Moreover, exposure to hypoxia decreased the rate of beta-oxidation, whereas the accumulation of triglycerides increased. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that exposure of human macrophages to hypoxia causes an accumulation of triglyceride-containing cytosolic lipid droplets. This indicates that the hypoxia present in atherosclerotic lesions can contribute to the formation of the lipid-loaded macrophages that characterize the lesion and to the accumulation of triglycerides in such lesions.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase↗

PLD1 and ERK2 regulate cytosolic lipid droplet formation.

We have previously uncovered roles for phospholipase D (PLD) and an unknown cytosolic protein in the formation of cytosolic lipid droplets using a cell-free system. In this report, PLD1 has been identified as the relevant isoform, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) as the cytosolic protein. Increased expression of PLD1 increased lipid droplet formation whereas knockdown of PLD1 using siRNA was inhibitory. A role for ERK2 in basal lipid droplet formation was revealed by overexpression or microinjection, and ablation by siRNA knockdown or pharmacological inhibition. Similar manipulations of other Map kinases such as ERK1, JNK1 or JNK2 and p38alpha or p38beta were without effect. Insulin stimulated the formation of lipid droplets and this stimulation was inhibited by knockdown of PLD1 (by siRNA) and by inhibition or knockdown (by siRNA) of ERK2. Inhibition of ERK2 eliminated the effect of PLD1 on lipid droplet formation without affecting PLD1 activity, suggesting that PLD1 functions upstream of ERK2. ERK2 increased the phosphorylation of dynein which increased the amount of the protein on ADRP-containing lipid droplets. Microinjection of antibodies to dynein strongly inhibited the formation of lipid droplets, demonstrating that dynein has a central role in this formation. Thus dynein is a possible target for ERK2.

Animals↗

Adipocyte differentiation-related protein promotes fatty acid storage in cytosolic triglycerides and inhibits secretion of very low-density lipoproteins.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the role of adipocyte differentiation-related protein (ADRP) in triglyceride turnover and in the secretion of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) from McA-RH7777 cells and primary rat hepatocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS: An increase in the expression of ADRP increased triglyceride accumulation in cytosolic lipid droplets and prevented the incorporation of fatty acids into secretable triglycerides, thereby reducing the secretion of triglycerides as well as of apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) and apoB-48 VLDL. The ability of ADRP to block the secretion of apoB-100 VLDL1 decreased with increasing quantities of fatty acids in the medium, indicating a saturable process and emphasizing the importance of sequestering of fatty acids for the effect of ADRP on VLDL secretion. Knockdown (small interfering RNA) of ADRP decreased the pool of cytosolic lipid droplets but increased only the secretion of apoB-48 VLDL1. Additionally, there was an increased flow of fatty acids into beta-oxidation. CONCLUSIONS: ADRP is essential for the accumulation of triglycerides in cytosolic lipid droplets. An increase in ADRP prevents the formation of VLDL by diverting fatty acids from the VLDL assembly pathway into cytosolic triglycerides, whereas a decrease of the protein increases the sorting of fatty acids to beta-oxidation and promotes the secretion of apoB-48 VLDL1.

Animals↗

Augmented levels of CD44 in macrophages from atherosclerotic subjects: a possible IL-6-CD44 feedback loop?

The cell-adhesion molecule CD44 likely participates in atherosclerosis development. We have shown previously that pro-inflammatory cytokines affect CD44 expression. Therefore, this work examined the role of elevated CD44 levels in human macrophages. Macrophages from human atherosclerotic subjects (n=15) showed elevated levels of CD44 transcript and protein (1.5-fold) compared to matched controls (n=15) (P=0.050 and 0.044, respectively). To test whether genetic factors influence CD44 expression, two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CD44 gene were analyzed but these were not associated with coronary artery disease. We also examined the potential connection between plasma cytokine levels and CD44 expression. In atherosclerotic subjects, elevated CD44 expression correlates (P=0.012) with enhanced macrophage IL-6 secretion (3.13+/-2.5 pg/mL versus 0.32+/-0.16 pg/mL in controls, P=0.021). Additionally, CD44-deficient mice exhibit less circulating IL-6 than wild-type controls (9.8+/-0.7 pg/mL versus 14.3+/-0.7 pg/mL; P=0.032). Furthermore, IL-6 augments CD44 expression in primary human macrophages after 24 h (P=0.038) and 48 h (P=0.015). Taken together, our data show an IL-6-CD44 feedback loop in macrophages. Such a positive feedback loop may aggravate atherosclerosis development.

Animals↗

ATP depletion in macrophages in the core of advanced rabbit atherosclerotic plaques in vivo.

The cores of rabbit plaques in vivo are hypoxic, suggesting that ATP depletion due to an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients could contribute to macrophage death in atherosclerotic plaques. During hypoxia, however, macrophages maintain ATP levels by anaerobic glycolysis. To directly assess ATP and glucose metabolites in plaques in vivo, we used bioluminescence imaging to map the concentrations of ATP, glucose, glycogen, and lactate in normal and atherosclerotic rabbit aortas in vivo. Hypoxia was assessed with NITP (7-(4'-(2-nitroimidazol-1-yl)-butyl)-theophylline). Normal aortas and plaques <500 microm thick were not hypoxic and had homogenous concentrations of energy metabolites. In plaques >500 microm thick, however, the cores were characterized by ATP depletion, low concentrations of glucose and glycogen, and a high concentration of lactate. A majority of ATP-depleted macrophages within the core were viable but severely hypoxic and glucose depleted. Hyperoxia in vitro reversed the ATP depletion in macrophages in viable areas of the core. Our findings suggest that ATP depletion contributes to the death of macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions and to the formation of a necrotic core.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Endothelial dysfunction in growth hormone transgenic mice.

Acromegaly [overproduction of GH (growth hormone)] is associated with cardiovascular disease. Transgenic mice overexpressing bGH (bovine GH) develop hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia and could be a model for cardiovascular disease in acromegaly. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of excess GH on vascular function and to test whether oxidative stress affects endothelial function in bGH transgenic mice. We studied the ACh (acetylcholine)-induced relaxation response in aortic and carotid rings of young (9-11 weeks) and aged (22-24 weeks) female bGH transgenic mice and littermate control mice, without and with the addition of a free radical scavenger {MnTBAP [Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin chloride]}. We also measured mRNA levels of eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) and EC-SOD (extracellular superoxide dismutase). Intracellular superoxide anion production in the vascular wall was estimated using a dihydroethidium probe. Carotid arteries from bGH transgenic mice had an impaired ACh-induced relaxation response (young, 46 +/- 7% compared with 69 +/- 8%; aged, 52 +/- 5% compared with 80 +/- 3%; P < 0.05), whereas endothelial function in aorta was intact in young but impaired in aged bGH transgenic mice. Endothelial dysfunction was corrected by addition of MnTBAP in carotid arteries from young mice and in aortas from aged mice; however, MnTBAP did not correct endothelial dysfunction in carotid arteries from aged bGH transgenic mice. There was no difference in intracellular superoxide anion production between bGH transgenic mice and control mice, whereas mRNA expression of EC-SOD and eNOS was increased in aortas from young bGH transgenic mice compared with control mice (P < 0.05). We interpret these data to suggest that bGH overexpression is associated with a time- and vessel-specific deterioration in endothelial function, initially caused by increased oxidative stress and later by other alterations in vascular function.

Acetylcholine↗

Diabetic dyslipidaemia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetic dyslipidaemia is a cluster of plasma lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities that are metabolically interrelated. The increase of large type 1 very low density lipoprotein particles in type 2 diabetes initiates a sequence of events that generates atherogenic remnants, small dense low-density lipoprotein and small dense high-density lipoprotein particles. Thus, it is of great importance to elucidate the mechanisms behind the overproduction of large very low density lipoprotein particles in diabetic dyslipidaemia. This review discusses the pathophysiology of very low density lipoprotein metabolism in type 2 diabetes and recent concepts of lipid management of diabetic dyslipidaemia. RECENT FINDINGS: Results indicate that triglyceride and apolipoprotein B production in types 1 and 2 very low density lipoprotein are significantly correlated, suggesting a coupling of the two processes governing the metabolism of these lipoprotein subpopulations. Insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, and liver fat were associated with excess hepatic production of type 1 but not type 2 very low density lipoprotein particles. These data provide support for the independent regulation of types 1 and 2 very low density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B production. SUMMARY: Recent data suggest that the assembly of very low density lipoprotein is fundamentally altered in type 2 diabetes, explaining the overproduction of large type 1 very low density lipoprotein as well as the inability of insulin to suppress production of type 1 very low density lipoprotein in type 2 diabetes. Future discoveries hopefully will delineate the regulatory steps to allow more targeted treatment of diabetic dyslipidaemia.

Animals↗

Epigallocatechin gallate increases the formation of cytosolic lipid droplets and decreases the secretion of apoB-100 VLDL.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) increases the formation of cytosolic lipid droplets by a mechanism that is independent of the rate of triglyceride biosynthesis and involves an enhanced fusion between lipid droplets, a process that is crucial for their growth in size. EGCG treatment reduced the secretion of both triglycerides and apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) VLDLs but not of transferrin, albumin, or total proteins, indicating that EGCG diverts triglycerides from VLDL assembly to storage in the cytosol. This is further supported by the observed increase in both intracellular degradation of apoB-100 and ubiquitination of the protein (indicative of increased proteasomal degradation) in EGCG-treated cells. EGCG did not interfere with the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, and the effect of EGCG on the secretion of VLDLs was found to be independent of the LDL receptor. Thus, our results indicate that EGCG promotes the accumulation of triglycerides in cytosolic lipid droplets, thereby diverting lipids from the assembly of VLDL to storage in the cytosol. Our results also indicate that the accumulation of lipids in the cytosol is not always associated with increased secretion of VLDL.

Adipocytes↗

Postnatal constriction, ATP depletion, and cell death in the mature and immature ductus arteriosus.

After birth, constriction of the full-term ductus arteriosus induces oxygen, glucose and ATP depletion, cell death, and anatomic remodeling of the ductus wall. The immature ductus frequently fails to develop the same degree of constriction or anatomic remodeling after birth. In addition, the immature ductus loses its ability to respond to vasoconstrictive agents, like oxygen or indomethacin, with increasing postnatal age. We examined the effects of premature delivery and postnatal constriction on the immature baboon ductus arteriosus. By 6 days after birth, surrogate markers of hypoxia (HIF1alpha/VEGF mRNA) and cell death [dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-staining] increased, while glucose and ATP concentrations (bioluminescence imaging) decreased in the immature ductus. TUNEL-staining was significantly related to the degree of glucose and ATP depletion. Glucose and ATP depletion were directly related to the degree of ductus constriction; while TUNEL-staining was logarithmically related to the degree of ductus constriction. Extensive cell death (>15% TUNEL-positive cells) occurred only when there was no Doppler flow through the ductus lumen. In contrast, HIF1alpha/VEGF expression and ATP concentrations were significantly altered even when the immature ductus remained open after birth. Decreased ATP concentrations produced decreased oxygen-induced contractile responses in the immature ductus. We hypothesize that ATP depletion in the persistently patent immature newborn ductus is insufficient to induce cell death and remodeling but sufficient to decrease its ability to constrict after birth. This may explain its decreasing contractile response to oxygen, indomethacin, and other contractile agents with increasing postnatal age.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Cytosolic lipid droplets increase in size by microtubule-dependent complex formation.

OBJECTIVE: Adipocyte differentiation-related protein (ADRP)-containing lipid droplets have an essential role in the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Such droplets form in a cell-free system with a diameter of 0.1 to 0.4 microm, while the droplets present in cells vary in size, from small to very large, suggesting that the droplets can increase in size after being assembled. We have addressed this possibility. METHODS AND RESULTS: Experiments in NIH 3T3 cells demonstrated that the lipid droplets could increase in size independently of triglyceride biosynthesis. NIH 3T3 cells were either microinjected with ADRP-GFP (green fluorescent protein) or stained with Nile Red and followed by confocal microscopy and time-lapse recordings. The results showed that lipid droplets formed complexes with each other, with a volume equal to the sum of the merging particles. The formation of complexes could be inhibited by the nocodazole-induced depolymerization of the microtubules; thus, the process is dependent on microtubules. The presence of dynein on ADRP-containing droplets supports a role for this motor protein. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid droplets can grow after they have been assembled. This increase in size is independent of triglyceride biosynthesis and involves formation of complexes, which requires intact microtubules.

Animals↗

Overproduction of VLDL1 driven by hyperglycemia is a dominant feature of diabetic dyslipidemia.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the synthesis and metabolism of VLDL1 and VLDL2 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and nondiabetic subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used a novel multicompartmental model to simultaneously determine the kinetics of apolipoprotein (apo) B and triglyceride (TG) in VLDL1 and VLDL2 after a bolus injection of [2H3]leucine and [2H5]glycerol and to follow the catabolism and transfer of the lipoprotein particles. Our results show that the overproduction of VLDL particles in DM2 is explained by enhanced secretion of VLDL1 apoB and TG. Direct production of VLDL2 apoB and TG was not influenced by diabetes per se. The production rates of VLDL1 apoB and TG were closely related, as were the corresponding pool sizes. VLDL1 and VLDL2 compositions did not differ in subjects with DM2 and controls, and the TG to apoB ratio of newly synthesized particles was very similar in the 2 groups. Plasma glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids together explained 55% of the variation in VLDL1 TG production rate. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance and DM2 are associated with excess hepatic production of VLDL1 particles similar in size and composition to those in nondiabetic subjects. We propose that hyperglycemia is the driving force that aggravates overproduction of VLDL1 in DM2.

Adult↗

ATP depletion and cell death in the neonatal lamb ductus arteriosus.

Postnatal constriction of the full-term ductus arteriosus produces cell death and remodeling of the ductus wall. Using a bioluminescence imaging technique, we found that after birth, the lamb ductus develops ATP, glucose, and glycogen depletion in addition to hypoxia. In vitro studies showed that cell death correlates best with ATP depletion and is most marked when both glucose and oxygen are severely depleted; in addition, the degree of ATP depletion found in vivo is sufficient to account for the extensive degree of cell death that occurs after birth. Under hypoxic conditions, the immature ductus is more capable of preserving its ATP supply than the mature ductus as a result of increased glucose availability, glycogen stores, and glucose utilization. However, the immature ductus is just as susceptible as the mature ductus to ATP depletion when glucose supplies are restricted. The extensive degree of cell death that occurs in the newborn ductus after birth is associated primarily with ATP depletion. The increased glycolytic capacity of the immature ductus may enable it to tolerate episodes of hypoxia and nutrient shortage, making it more resistant to developing postnatal cell death and permanent closure.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Role of ADP ribosylation factor 1 in the assembly and secretion of ApoB-100-containing lipoproteins.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the role of ADP ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) in the assembly of very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). METHODS AND RESULTS: The dominant-negative ARF1 mutant, T31N, decreased the assembly of apoB-100 VLDL 1 (Svedberg floatation units [Sf] 60 to 400) by 80%. The decrease coincided with loss of coatamer I (COPI) from the Golgi apparatus and inhibition of anterograde transport, as demonstrated by time-lapse studies of the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein. The VLDL 1 assembly was also completely inhibited at 15 degrees C. Thus, the antegrade transport is essential for the assembly of VLDL 1. Intracellular localization of N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase 2 indicated that the Golgi apparatus was at least partly intact when the VLDL assembly was inhibited. Transient transfection with phospholipase D 1 increased the assembly of VLDL 1 and VLDL 2 (Sf 20 to 60). Overexpression of ARF1 in stably transfected McA-RH7777 cells increased the secretion of VLDL 2 but not of VLDL 1, which was dependent on the availability of oleic acid. Secretion of VLDL 1 increased with increasing amounts of oleic acid, and VLDL 2 secretion decreased simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of ARF1 increased the assembly of VLDL 2 but not of VLDL 1, whose production was dependent on both anterograde transport and the availability of fatty acids.

ADP-Ribosylation Factor 1↗

Requirement of JNK2 for scavenger receptor A-mediated foam cell formation in atherogenesis.

In vitro studies suggest a role for c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) in proatherogenic cellular processes. We show that atherosclerosis-prone ApoE-/- mice simultaneously lacking JNK2 (ApoE-/- JNK2-/- mice), but not ApoE-/- JNK1-/- mice, developed less atherosclerosis than do ApoE-/- mice. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK activity efficiently reduced plaque formation. Macrophages lacking JNK2 displayed suppressed foam cell formation caused by defective uptake and degradation of modified lipoproteins and showed increased amounts of the modified lipoprotein-binding and -internalizing scavenger receptor A (SR-A), whose phosphorylation was markedly decreased. Macrophage-restricted deletion of JNK2 was sufficient to decrease atherogenesis. Thus, JNK2-dependent phosphorylation of SR-A promotes uptake of lipids in macrophages, thereby regulating foam cell formation, a critical step in atherogenesis.

Animals↗

Relation of the size and intracellular sorting of apoB to the formation of VLDL 1 and VLDL 2.

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that two separate pathways, the two-step process and an apolipoprotein B (apoB) size-dependent lipidation process, give rise to different lipoproteins. Expression of apoB-100 and C-terminally truncated forms of apoB-100 in McA-RH7777 cells demonstrated that VLDL particles can be assembled by apoB size-dependent linear lipidation, resulting in particles whose density is inversely related to the size of apoB. This lipidation results in a LDL-VLDL 2 particle containing apoB-100. VLDL 1 is assembled by the two-step process by apoB-48 and larger forms of apoB but not to any significant amount by apoB-41. The major amount of intracellular apoB-80 and apoB-100 banded with a mean density of 1.10 g/ml. Its formation was dependent on the sequence between apoB-72 and apoB-90. This dense particle, which is retained in the cell, possibly by chaperones or association with the microsomal membrane, is a precursor of secreted VLDL 1. The intracellular LDL-VLDL 2 particles formed during size-dependent lipidation appear to be the precursors of intracellular VLDL 1. We propose that the dense apoB-100 intracellular particle is converted to LDL-VLDL 2 by size-dependent lipidation. LDL-VLDL 2 is secreted or converted to VLDL 1 by the uptake of the major amount of triglycerides.

Animals↗

A new combined multicompartmental model for apolipoprotein B-100 and triglyceride metabolism in VLDL subfractions.

The use of stable isotopes in conjunction with compartmental modeling analysis has greatly facilitated studies of the metabolism of the apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins in humans. The aim of this study was to develop a multicompartment model that allows us to simultaneously determine the kinetics of apoB and triglyceride (TG) in VLDL(1) and VLDL(2) after a bolus injection of [(2)H(3)]leucine and [(2)H(5)]glycerol and to follow the catabolism and transfer of the lipoprotein particles. Here, we describe the model and present the results of its application in a fasting steady-state situation in 17 subjects with lipid values representative of a Western population. Analysis of the correlations showed that plasma TG was determined by the VLDL(1) and VLDL(2) apoB and TG fractional catabolic rate. Furthermore, the model showed a linear correlation between VLDL(1) TG and apoB production. A novel observation was that VLDL TG entered the circulation within 21 min after its synthesis, whereas VLDL apoB entered the circulation after 33 min. These observations are consistent with a sequential assembly model of VLDL and suggest that the TG is added to a primordial apoB-containing particle in the liver.

Apolipoprotein B-100↗

Lack of complement factor C3, but not factor B, increases hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-/- low-density lipoprotein receptor-/- mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of complement deficiency on atherogenesis and lipidemia, we used mice deficient in the third complement component (C3-/-) or factor B (FB-/-). METHODS AND RESULTS: Complement-deficient mice were crossed with mice deficient in both apolipoprotein E and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (Apoe-/- LDLR-/-). The percent lesion area in the aorta at 16 weeks, determined by en face analysis, was 84% higher in C3-/- mice than in controls (11.8%+/-0.4% versus 6.4%+/-0.8%, mean+/-SEM, P<0.00005). The C3-/- mice also had 58% higher serum triglyceride levels (P<0.05) and a more proatherogenic lipoprotein profile, with significantly more low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very-low-density lipoprotein triglycerides than control mice. The C3-/- mice weighed 13% less (P<0.01) and had a lower body fat content (3.5%+/-1.0% versus 13.1%+/-3.0%, P<0.01). There were no differences between FB-/- mice and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Complement activation by the classical or lectin pathway exerts atheroprotective effects, possibly through the regulation of lipid metabolism.

Animals↗

Molecular mechanism for changes in proteoglycan binding on compositional changes of the core and the surface of low-density lipoprotein-containing human apolipoprotein B100.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism for changes in proteoglycan binding and LDL receptor affinity on two compositional changes in LDL that have been associated with atherosclerosis: cholesterol enrichment of the core and modification by secretory group IIA phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) of the surface. METHODS AND RESULTS: Transgenic mice expressing recombinant apolipoprotein (apo) B and sPLA2 were generated. Recombinant LDL were isolated and tested for their proteoglycan and LDL receptor-binding activity. The results show site A (residues 3148-3158) in apoB100 becomes functional in sPLA2-modified LDL and that site A acts cooperatively with site B (residues 3359-3369), the primary proteoglycan-binding site in native LDL, in the binding of sPLA2-modified LDL to proteoglycans. Our results also show that cholesterol enrichment of LDL is associated with increased affinity for proteoglycans and for the LDL receptor. This mechanism is likely mediated by a conformational change of site B and is independent of site A in apoB100. CONCLUSIONS: Site A in apoB100 becomes functional in sPLA2-modified LDL and acts cooperatively with site B resulting in increased proteoglycan-binding activity. The increased binding for proteoglycans of cholesterol-enriched LDL is solely dependent on site B.

Amino Acid Substitution↗