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Lipoprotein lipase-enhanced binding of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] to heparan sulfate is improved by apolipoprotein E (apoE) saturation: secretion-capture process of apoE is a possible route for the catabolism of Lp(a).

Recently, it has been recognized that cell-bound heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (HSPG) are able to bind and subsequently initiate degradation of lipoproteins. Two mediators of lipoprotein catabolism, both with HS binding capacity, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and apolipoprotein E (apoE), are involved in this process. This mechanism is known as the secretion-capture process of apoE. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] was shown to have a strong binding capacity to cell-associated HSPG. This binding capacity was increased by LPL addition. We investigated the effects of recombinant apoE (r-apoE) enrichment of Lp(a) on the binding to HS. Lp(a), isolated by ultracentrifugation and gel filtration, was incubated with r-apoE and reisolated by ultracentrifugation, resulting in r-apoE-enriched Lp(a). ApoE-enriched Lp(a) and control Lp(a) were coated to microtiter plates. The capacity to bind biotin-conjugated HS (b-HS) in the presence or absence of inactivated bovine LPL was studied. R-apoE-enriched Lp(a) showed increased b-HS binding capacity versus control Lp(a). Addition of LPL resulted in an increased b-HS binding capacity of both control and r-apoE-enriched Lp(a). To investigate whether binding of Lp(a) to endothelial cell HSPG occurred in vivo, 39 volunteers were injected with heparin (50 U/kg) and plasma lipid and Lp(a) levels were determined before and 20 minutes after heparin injection. No significant increase in plasma Lp(a) concentrations was found. The results showed that Lp(a) can be enriched with apoE and that this resulted in increased LPL-enhanced binding to HSPG. From the in vitro studies, it can be concluded that the secretion-capture process of apoE is a possible catabolic route for Lp(a). However, whether this also occurs in vivo remains to be confirmed.

Animals↗

Corticotropin increases the receptor-specific uptake of native low-density lipoprotein (LDL)--but not of oxidized LDL and native or oxidized lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]--in HEPG2 cells: no evidence for Lp(a) catabolism via the LDL-receptor.

To understand the interaction of corticotropin (ACTH) and lipid catabolism, we analyzed the influence of ACTH on receptor-mediated lipoprotein uptake and compared the uptake and degradation of human native (N-LDL) and oxidized (Ox-LDL) low-density lipoprotein and native (N-Lp(a)) and oxidized (Ox-Lp(a)) lipoprotein(a) by human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. The receptor affinity of N-LDL, Ox-LDL, N-Lp(a), and Ox-Lp(a) was comparable (Kd, 33, 13, 24, and 13 micrograms/mL medium), whereas the maximum degradative capacity was 10.5-fold higher in N-LDL (Vmax, 1,978 ng/mg cell protein) compared with Ox-LDL (189 ng/mg). In N-LDL, it was 4.5-fold higher than in N-Lp(a) (442 ng/mg) and eightfold higher than in Ox-Lp(a) (246 ng/mg) (P < .05). Addition of ACTH to the cell cultures increased receptor-specific degradation of N-LDL by 44% (2,866 v 1,978 ng/mg, P < .05), whereas changes in Ox-LDL, N-Lp(a), and Ox-Lp(a) showed no significant increase. No differences in uptake specificity were observed with or without ACTH. In addition, a 12-hour preincubation of liver cells with LDL increased Lp(a) uptake by 40% to 50% with (411 v 620 ng/mg) and without (393 v 558 ng/mg) ACTH administration. These data indicate that ACTH elevates receptor-specific uptake of N-LDL, but only to a low extent versus Ox-LDL, N-Lp(a), or Ox-Lp(a). These results support the hypothesis that catabolism of oxidized lipoproteins and Lp(a) through the LDL receptor pathway is only a minor route of lipid metabolism, whereas LDL receptor activity itself can be stimulated by ACTH.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

The effects of tolbutamide on lipoproteins, lipoprotein lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase.

Type 2 diabetic patients are at increased risk to develop atherosclerotic vascular disease. These patients are often treated with sulphonylurea derivatives, and it has been suggested that this treatment might contribute to the increased atherosclerotic process. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate whether tolbutamide influences lipid metabolism in such a way that the atherosclerotic process may be promoted. Addition of tolbutamide (5-500 mg/l) to isolated rat fat adipocytes inhibited the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in a dose-dependent manner to levels about 50% of those registered in the absence of tolbutamide. This effect was due to inhibition of the activation of the enzyme in the tissue and not to interference with the interaction of enzyme with its substrate. Addition of tolbutamide (500 mg/l) also inhibited noradrenaline (100 nM) and isoprenaline (40 nM)-induced lipolysis by 48.1 +/- 7.4% (mean +/- S.E.M.) and 47.3 +/- 5.5%, respectively. The decreased lipolysis in tolbutamide preincubated adipocytes was shown to be the result of an inhibition of the phosphorylation of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL). Three months of tolbutamide treatment (0.5 g t.i.d.) in diet treated type 2 diabetic patients did not influence the plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol as well as HDL triglycerides and HDL phospholipids, and there were no differences compared to placebo treated patients. There was a tendency towards a decrement in the elimination rate of exogenous triglycerides in the tolbutamide group (P = 0.0801). No differences between the groups and no treatment effects were seen on LPL and hepatic lipase activities. In conclusion, our in vitro data show that tolbutamide has dual effects on lipid transport, with impairment of the LPL system, which would tend to decrease plasma lipoproteins by reducing hepatic production of lipoproteins. In vivo, these two effects seem to balance each other and plasma lipoprotein levels remain unaffected.

Adipocytes↗

Lipoprotein(a) and other lipoproteins in hypothyroid patients before and after thyroid replacement therapy.

AIMS: To analyse the influence of thyroid hormones on serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentration and other lipid parameters, and hence potentially on coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with hypothyroidism and 165 age-matched control euthyroid subjects were evaluated in a cross- sectional study, determining thyroid function tests and fasting serum lipids and lipoproteins. In a follow-up study for those hypothyroid patients the same determinations were repeated after normalization of thyroid state by levothyroxine (L-T(4)) replacement therapy. Patients needing other treatments were excluded. At baseline, patients with hypothyroidism had significantly higher levels of Lp(a), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apo B, and a higher TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio than control subjects. RESULTS: Severity of the hypothyroid state, expressed by serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, was correlated with serum levels of Lp(a), LDL-C, and TC (r= 0.64, 0.52, 0.49, P= 0.005, P= 0.033, P= 0. 048, respectively). The pretreatment Lp(a) levels were also correlated with those of posttreatment Lp(a)(r= 0.68, P= 0.002). All patients, who presented basal Lp(a) levels higher than 30 mg/dl, showed a decrease in Lp(a) concentrations by L-T(4)therapy, and these normalized in eight cases (22.2%). Euthyroid state gave rise to a significant reduction of serum Lp(a) by 32.3%, of LDL-C by 22. 8%, of TC by 17%, of apo A-I by 9.6%, and of apo B by 9.3%. After L-T(4)therapy, CAD risk, expressed as TC/HDL-C ratio, decreased by 19.9%. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that hypothyroidism is associated not only with elevated serum levels of LDL-C but also with elevated serum Lp(a) concentrations. Lp(a) levels may be at least partially modulated by thyroid hormone-dependent mechanisms, thus increasing the risk of developing premature atherosclerosis in hypothyroid state, that might be reduced by L-T(4)therapy.

Adult↗

Atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype in end-stage renal failure: origin and extent of small dense low-density lipoprotein formation.

End-stage renal failure (ESRF) is associated with dyslipidemia and accelerated atherosclerosis. Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins accumulate and qualitative changes take place in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), with a predominance of the small dense LDL phenotype. Increased small dense LDL (LDLIII) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. To assess the extent of LDLIII formation in ESRF and identify factors contributing to LDLIII production, we analyzed LDL subfractions by density-gradient ultracentrifugation, very low-density lipoprotein subfractions, and lipase activity in 75 patients with ESRF (25 hemodialysis [HD], 25 peritoneal dialysis [PD], and 25 predialysis patients) and 40 age- and sex-matched controls. The percentage of LDLIII was increased in all three patient groups compared with controls (PD, 33% +/- 29% [mean +/- SD]; P < 0.005; HD, 30% +/- 22%; P < 0.01; predialysis, 26% +/- 26%; P < 0.01; all versus controls, 14% +/- 10%). Plasma LDLIII concentration was increased only in PD patients (median, 84 mg/dL; interquartile range [IQR], 29 to 160 mg/dL versus controls; median, 31 mg/dL; IQR, 26 to 54 mg/dL). In other patient groups, total LDL level was less, with heterogeneity in LDLIII concentrations. Forty percent of PD patients and 28% of HD and predialysis patients had LDLIII concentrations greater than 100 mg/dL compared with 2.5% of controls (P = 0.002). Plasma triglyceride levels (r(2) = 38.4%; P < 0.001) and hepatic lipase activity (r(2) = 6.7%; P < 0.03) were independent predictors of LDLIII concentration. The strong association between LDLIII concentration and triglyceride level was present in all three patient groups (HD, r(2) = 47.9%; PD, r(2) = 45. 2%; predialysis, r(2) = 25.8%); plasma triglyceride levels greater than 177 mg/dL (2.0 mmol/L) had an 86% specificity and 79% sensitivity for predicting an LDLIII concentration greater than 100 mg/dL. We conclude that the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype predominates in ESRF, with excess LDLIII particularly prominent in PD patients. Atherogenic levels of LDLIII are found in patients with triglyceride levels greater than 177 mg/dL. This is likely to represent a further cardiovascular risk factor in this population.

Adult↗

Cholesterol transfer from low density lipoproteins to reconstituted high density lipoproteins is determined by the properties and concentrations of both particles.

Cholesterol spontaneously transfers from low density lipoproteins (LDL) to high density lipoproteins (HDL). This transfer is important physiologically as it supplies the major portion of cholesterol for the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase reaction and is one mechanism for the reduction of atherogenic LDL cholesterol. The objective of this work was to examine the properties of both HDL and LDL which modulate cholesterol transfer, as well as to obtain the relevant kinetic constants for the transfer at concentrations of lipoproteins approaching those existing in vivo. To examine the effects of HDL structural parameters on cholesterol transfer, we prepared reconstituted HDL particles with saturated or unsaturated phospholipid, with apolipoprotein AI or apolipoprotein AII, with increasing size and phospholipid content, and with increasing initial contents of cholesterol. We also prepared five LDL subfractions of variable density and size. The kinetics of cholesterol mass transfer were measured by incubating LDL with rHDL at 37 degrees C, separating the lipoproteins by dextran sulfate/Mg2+ precipitation of LDL at timed intervals, and analyzing rHDL cholesterol content. The cholesterol content of rHDL at equilibrium, Ceq, and the half-time for transfer, t1/2, as well as the ratio of the lipid surface areas of LDL to rHDL were used in the analysis of the kinetic data by the aqueous diffusion model for lipid transfer developed by Nichols and Pagano [(1982) Biochemistry 21, 1720-1726]. The only variables that significantly affect the C(eq) and/or t1/2 are the phospholipid content and composition of the rHDL and the size or density of the LDL particles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cholesterol↗

Lipoprotein lipase. Mechanism of formation of triglyceride-rich remnant particles from very low density lipoproteins and chylomicrons.

The catalytic rate of membrane-supported lipoprotein lipase has been determined for chylomicron and very low density lipoprotein substrates during the formation of triglyceride-depleted ("remnant") particles. Both lipoprotein species and their generated remnant products were competitive substrates for lipase activity. Remnant formation from each species was associated with decreasing kc but an unchanged apparent Km. This finding was confirmed from the rate of plot of total triglyceride catabolism by lipase at low substrate concentrations. When compared with the major very low density lipoprotein fraction (Sf 100-400), a fraction isolated from plasma with a lower flotation rate (Sf 40-100) had a lipid composition and decreased kc compatible with this representing a physiological remnant particle.

Animals↗

The effect in vitro of high-density lipoprotein on hydrolysis of triacylglycerol by lipoprotein lipase.

In an incubation system in vitro with fully activated Intralipid as substrate, rat high-density lipoprotein inhibits the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol by lipoprotein lipase from rat adipose tissue, but does not inhibit hydrolysis by the enzyme from bovine milk. The pattern of inhibition suggests that substrate and high-density lipoprotein may compete for association with rat adipose-tissue lipoprotein lipase.

Adipose Tissue↗

Synthesis and properties of the very-low-density-lipoprotein receptor and a comparison with the low-density-lipoprotein receptor.

The properties of the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor have been studied in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably transfected with human VLDL-receptor cDNA and compared with those of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expressed under the same conditions. Immunoblotting showed that the cells produced a mature VLDL receptor protein, of apparent Mr 123000 on non-reduced and 158000 on reduced gels, that was less extensively glycosylated than the LDL receptor. The VLDL receptor was more slowly processed than the LDL receptor, with only approx. 70% of the precursor being converted into the mature protein. Nevertheless, the majority of the receptor in the cells was in the mature form, and most of this was present on the cell surface. The human VLDL receptor bound rabbit very-low-density lipoprotein with beta electrophoretic mobility (betaVLDL), but not human LDL, and uptake through the receptor led to stimulation of oleate incorporation into cholesteryl esters. At 37 degrees C, the characteristics of VLDL-receptor-mediated uptake and degradation of betaVLDL were essentially the same as those mediated by the LDL receptor. However, the VLDL receptor apparently did not show the increase in affinity and decrease in binding of betaVLDL on cooling to 4 degrees C that was exhibited by the LDL receptor. Thus the overexpressed VLDL receptor in CHO cells appears to behave as a lipoprotein receptor with similar, but not identical, properties to the LDL receptor.

Animals↗

Low-density lipoprotein metabolism and its association to plasma lipoprotein(a) in the nephrotic syndrome.

Patients with nephrotic syndrome have multiple abnormalities of lipoprotein metabolism, but the cause and exact nature of these abnormalities have not been established. In the present study we have determined the kinetics of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apoB in seven nephrotic patients demonstrating an elevated LDL apoB production rate (25.7 +/- 6.4 vs. 13.1 +/- 0.3 mgkg-1 day-1; P < 0.001) but a normal LDL apoB fractional catabolic rate (FCR) (0.31 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.33 +/- 0.008 pools day-1; NS) compared with 41 healthy control subjects. However, two out of the seven patients had a markedly low LDL apoB-FCR. Serum albumin was inversely correlated with the LDL apoB production rate (R = -0.82; P < 0.05). Plasma lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels were significantly (P < 0.001) increased in the nephrotic patients compared with control subjects. Significant correlations were observed between log Lp(a) and LDL apoB production rate (R = 0.90; P < 0.01), VLDL-cholesterol (R = 0.95; P < 0.001) and VLDL-triglycerides (R = 0.80; P < 0.05) respectively. In summary, the present study suggests that nephrotic hyperlipidaemia may be caused by at least two independent mechanisms. The elevated LDL apoB production rate is highly correlated with the prevailing levels of serum albumin, whereas some nephrotic patients seem to have a decreased LDL apoB clearance, suggesting impaired LDL receptor-mediated clearance. The present results also suggest that the elevated plasma Lp(a) levels in nephrosis are related to an increased hepatic synthesis rather than a decreased catabolism of lipoproteins.

Adolescent↗

Lipid and lipoprotein analysis of cats with lipoprotein lipase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: We have previously described a colony of domestic cats with a naturally occurring mutation in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene. We have now further characterized cats homozygous for LPL deficiency (LPL -/-, homozygotes), and have contrasted these with heterozygotes (LPL +/-) and normal cats (LPL +/+). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Density gradient ultracentrifugation with subsequent lipid analysis, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to examine detailed liproprotein differences between the genotypes. Oral fat loading studies and breast milk fatty acid analysis were also performed to further characterize the phenotypic expression of LPL deficiency in this model system. RESULTS: Several lipid abnormalities associated with homozygosity for LPL deficiency were evident. Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein-triglycerides (TRL-TG) and cholesterol (TRL-C) were higher (TRL-TG 2.09 +/- 1.14 vs. 0.15 +/- 0.04 mmol L-1, P < 0.001; TRL-C 0.42 +/- 0.30 vs. 0.11 +/- 0.16 mmol L-1, P < 0.05) in male -/- than in male +/+ cats, as was HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C, 1.75 +/- 0.24 vs. 1.41 +/- 0.14 mmol L-1, P < 0.05). LDL-C levels were lower in homozygous cats than in control cats, similar to what is seen in human LPL deficiency. Oral fat loading studies revealed that homozygous cats have a marked reduced ability to clear plasma TGs in terms of peak time (7 h vs. 3 h), peak height (9.36 vs. 1.1 mmol L-1), area under the TG clearance curve (AUC, 280.3 vs. 2.2 h mmol L-1) and time to return to baseline. Fasting lipid and lipoprotein levels were not significantly different between heterozygous and normal cats. However, oral fat loading in heterozygotes revealed an intermediate phenotype (peak of 2.35 mmol L-1 at 5 h, AUC 13.1 h mmol L-1), highlighting the impaired TG clearance in these animals. CONCLUSION: Thus, LPL deficiency in the cat results in a lipid and lipoprotein phenotype that predominantly parallels human LPL deficiency, further validating the use of these animals in studies on the pathobiology of LPL.

Animals↗

Influence of hematocrit on the measurement of lipoproteins demonstrated by the example of lipoprotein(a).

BACKGROUND: The measurement of many parameters of human blood is usually performed in plasma or serum. Since lipoproteins or apolipoproteins, for example, are found almost exclusively in the plasma fraction after low-speed centrifugation, these parameters can be expected to be distributed in a different plasma volume depending on the hematocrit value. Therefore, the measured plasma levels might be relatively too low or too high in comparison to the whole blood concentrations in the case of abnormal hematocrit levels. The aim of our experiments was to evaluate the extent of differences between whole blood and plasma concentrations, taking as an example lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in hemodialysis patients with documented decreased hematocrit values. METHODS: Lp(a) was measured in plasma as well as whole blood of 15 hemodialysis patients with low hematocrit values (0.29 +/- 0.02) in comparison to 11 control subjects (0.45 +/- 0.04). RESULTS: Plasma concentrations were 27% higher in patients than in controls (19.7 vs. 15.5 mg/dl). The relative difference was twice as high (59%) when measured in whole blood (13.5 vs. 8.5 mg/dl). Similar relative differences were observed when whole blood concentrations of 125 hemodialysis patients and 256 controls were calculated with the formula [Lp(a)plasma * (1-hematocrit)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings clearly demonstrate that hematocrit is a strong confounding variable of lipoprotein measurement in epidemiological studies when concentrations are measured in plasma, especially in cases of abnormal hematocrit values. Furthermore, studies investigating the longitudinal changes of lipoproteins should consider potential hematocrit changes.

Blood Chemical Analysis↗

Rate and equilibrium constants for binding of apo-E HDLc (a cholesterol-induced lipoprotein) and low density lipoproteins to human fibroblasts: evidence for multiple receptor binding of apo-E HDLc.

Competitive binding assays have demonstrated that a cholesterol-induced canine lipoprotein containing only the E apoprotein (apo-E HDL(c)) binds to the same cell surface receptors of human fibroblasts as human low density lipoproteins (LDL). However, the apo-E HDL(c) have a much greater binding activity than LDL. Equilibrium and kinetic binding studies were conducted at 4 degrees C to determine the mechanism for this enhanced receptor binding activity. Based on the data, the binding of both LDL and apo-E HDL(c) appears to be a simple bimolecular receptor interaction, and no heterogeneity of binding sites or cooperative effects among the receptor sites were observed. Equilibrium dissociation constants determined by Scatchard analysis of the equilibrium binding data for apo-E HDL(c) (K(d) = 0.12 x 10(-9) M) and LDL (K(d) = 2.8 x 10(-9) M) revealed a 23-fold greater affinity of HDL(c) for the receptors. Association and dissociation rate constants for the lipoprotein-receptor complex were determined from the time course of binding at various lipoprotein concentrations. The equilibrium dissociation constants calculated from these kinetic data confirmed that apo-E HDL(c) had a much higher affinity for the receptor than LDL. Furthermore, the kinetic studies indicated that apo-E HDL(c) bound more rapidly than LDL with rates of association of 18.0 x 10(4) and 5.5 x 10(4) M(-1) sec(-1), respectively. The rate of dissociation of the apo-E HDL(c)-receptor complex (1.7 x 10(-5) sec(-1)) was slower than that of the LDL receptor complex (6.3 x 10(-5) sec(-1)). An additional important difference between the binding of apo-E HDL(c) and LDL was that 4 times (3.6 +/- 0.4) as many LDL particles as HDL(c) particles were required for saturation of the receptors at maximal binding. These data indicate that each HDL(c) particle binds to multiple cell surface receptors at a ratio of 4:1 for LDL receptor binding.

Apolipoproteins↗

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein mediates uptake of cholesteryl esters derived from apoprotein E-enriched lipoproteins.

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a recently described cell-surface protein of 4544 amino acids that contains reiterated sequences found in the 839-amino acid receptor for low density lipoprotein (LDL). In the current studies, we purified LRP from rat liver, prepared polyclonal antibodies that recognize the extracellular domain, and demonstrated an immunoreactive protein of approximately 600 kDa in human fibroblasts. The function of this LRP was studied in mutant human fibroblasts that do not produce LDL receptors. The mutant cells were incubated with beta-migrating very low density lipoprotein (beta-VLDL) that was isolated from cholesterol-fed rabbits and artificially enriched with apoprotein (apo) E by incubation in vitro with human apo E produced in a bacterial expression system. The apo E-enriched beta-VLDL, but not unincubated beta-VLDL, stimulated incorporation of [14C]-oleate into cholesteryl [14C]oleate 20- to 40-fold in the mutant cells. This stimulation was blocked by chloroquine, suggesting that such stimulation resulted from receptor-mediated uptake and lysosomal hydrolysis of the cholesteryl esters in apo E-enriched beta-VLDL. Stimulation of cholesterol esterification was blocked by the antibody against LRP, but not by an antibody against the LDL receptor. Unlike the LDL receptor, the amount of LRP was not reduced when cells were incubated with oxygenated sterols. We conclude that LRP can mediate the cellular uptake and lysosomal hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters contained in lipoproteins that are enriched in apo E.

Animals↗

Apolipoprotein E-containing high density lipoprotein promotes neurite outgrowth and is a ligand for the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein.

Presence of the epsilon4 allele of apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the mechanism(s) by which it confers this risk is unknown. ApoE may play a direct role in AD neuropathology by modulating neuronal structure. We previously showed that apoE3-containing beta-very low density lipoprotein (beta-VLDL) can stimulate neurite outgrowth to a significantly greater extent than apoE4-enriched beta-VLDL in a central nervous system-derived neuronal cell line and that this effect is mediated by interaction with the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). To determine whether similar differences exist when apoE is associated with other lipoprotein particles, the effects of high density lipoprotein (HDL) derived from plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were defined. ApoE3-enriched HDL significantly enhanced neurite outgrowth as compared with apoE4-enriched HDL, and the majority of this stimulation was blocked in the presence of the receptor-associated protein or a neutralizing antibody to LRP. We also found that cholesterol esterification in the presence of apoE-containing plasma HDL was attenuated in fibroblasts lacking LRP. Therefore, apoE-containing HDL can serve as an LRP ligand, and apoE isoform-specific effects on neurite outgrowth are observed when HDL is the carrier particle.

Apolipoproteins E↗

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein contributes to selective uptake of high density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters by SW872 liposarcoma cells and primary human adipocytes.

The concept that selective transfer of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-derived cholesteryl esters (CE) does not require lipoprotein internalization has been challenged recently by evidence that implicates HDL recycling during the selective uptake process. This has prompted us to examine the role of the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) in selective uptake. LRP is an endocytic receptor for lipoprotein lipase (LpL) and apolipoprotein E (apoE) ligands that are able to mediate selective uptake. We report that molecules that interfere with ligand binding to LRP, such as the receptor-associated protein (RAP), suramin, alpha(2)-macroglobulin, or lactoferrin, inhibit HDL-CE selective uptake by human primary adipocytes and SW872 liposarcoma cells by 35-50%. This partial inhibition of selective uptake from total HDL was not due to preferential inhibition of the HDL(2) or HDL(3) subfractions. Selective uptake by the scavenger receptor BI was not inhibited by RAP, excluding its involvement. Furthermore, in SW872 cells in which LRP was reduced to 14% of control levels by stable antisense expression, selective uptake was attenuated by at least 33%, confirming a role for LRP in this process. RAP, alpha(2)-macroglobulin, lactoferrin, and suramin (individually or in paired combinations) also attenuated selective uptake of HDL-CE by primary human adipocytes by about 40%. On the other hand, human skin fibroblasts express LRP abundantly but lack the capacity for selective uptake, demonstrating that other molecules are required. In SW872 cells, exogenous apoE or LpL can facilitate selective uptake but only the apoE-enhanced uptake can be inhibited by RAP, implicating apoE as a likely co-mediator. We discuss the possible mechanisms by which the endocytic receptor, LRP, can mediate selective uptake.

Adipocytes↗

Assembly and secretion of very low density lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein B48 in transfected McA-RH7777 cells. Lack of evidence that palmitoylation of apolipoprotein B48 is required for lipoprotein secretion.

We examined the role of S-linked palmitoylation of human apolipoprotein (apo) B in the assembly and secretion of very low density lipoproteins using recombinant human apoB48. There are four free cysteine residues (Cys(1085), Cys(1396), Cys(1478), and Cys(1635)) within apoB48 that potentially can be palmitoylated. All four cysteine residues were substituted with serine by site-specific mutagenesis. The mutant protein was expressed in transfected rat hepatoma McA-RH7777 cells. Metabolic labeling of the stably transfected cells with iodopalmitic acid analog showed that the mutant apoB48 lacked palmitoylation. The lack of palmitoylation had little impact on the ability of apoB48 to assemble and secrete very low density lipoproteins or high density lipoproteins. Immunocytochemistry experiments using confocal microscopy failed to reveal any major alterations in the intracellular distribution of the mutant apoB48 at steady state. Pulse-chase analysis combined with subcellular fractionation showed no apparent deficiency in the movement of the mutant apoB48 protein from the endoplasmic reticulum to cis/medial Golgi. However, the mutant apoB48 lacking palmitoylation showed retarded movement toward the distal Golgi and increased association (>2-fold) with the membranes of the secretory compartments. A marginal decrease (by 15-20%) in secretion efficiency as compared with that of wild type apoB48 was also observed. These results suggest that lack of palmitoylation may influence the partitioning of apoB48 between microsomal membranes and microsomal lumen, but it does not compromise the ability of apoB48 to assemble lipoproteins.

Animals↗

Cardiac-specific knock-out of lipoprotein lipase alters plasma lipoprotein triglyceride metabolism and cardiac gene expression.

Fatty acids are the primary energy source for the heart. The heart acquires fatty acids associated with albumin or derived from lipoprotein lipase (LpL)-mediated hydrolysis of lipoprotein triglyceride (TG). We generated heart-specific LpL knock-out mice (hLpL0) to determine whether cardiac LpL modulates the actions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and affects whole body lipid metabolism. Male hLpL0 mice had significantly elevated plasma TG levels and decreased clearance of postprandial lipids despite normal postheparin plasma LpL activity. Very large density lipoprotein-TG uptake was decreased by 72% in hLpL0 hearts. However, heart uptake of albumin-bound free fatty acids was not altered. Northern blot analysis revealed a decrease in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha-response genes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation. Surprisingly, the expression of glucose transporters 1 and 4 and insulin receptor substrate 2 was increased and that of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 and insulin receptor substrate 1 was reduced. Basal glucose uptake was increased markedly in hLpL0 hearts. Thus, the loss of LpL in the heart leads to defective plasma metabolism of TG. Moreover, fatty acids derived from lipoprotein TG and not just albumin-associated fatty acids are important for cardiac lipid metabolism and gene regulation.

Animals↗